Food contact

Wearing food contact protective gloves  is necessary to guarantee the maximum hygiene required in production, processing and distribution in the food industry. Choosing a suitable food contact protective glove means ensuring the safety of both the hands of the users as well as the food being handled.

Why wear food contact gloves?

For people working in the food industry, work gloves are an essential protective barrier against the risks associated with handling food.

The first risk is the risk of contamination. Indeed, some foods may contain bacteria responsible for diseases such as listeriosis or salmonellosis. Wearing disposable or washable protective gloves ensures the safety of the person handling the food. On the other hand, a person, whose hygiene is not impeccable, can contaminate the food by handling it. The risks for the consumer are then very dangerous; diseases such as hepatitis A or a staphylococcal infection can occur.

Additional risks are related to the work environment and the tools used. Protective food contact gloves are also a valuable bulwark against the risks of cuts, burns and cold.

What type of gloves should be used for the food industry?

Food gloves that are resistant and efficient must meet certain criteria in order to guarantee safe working conditions.

A pictogram of a glass and a fork indicates that the gloves are certified for food contact. This pictogram usually appears as a marking on the glove or on its label. Food contact gloves must comply with European Regulation 1935/2004 regulating this type of PPE.

In order to ensure good dexterity when handling food, while maintaining excellent resistance, the gloves must be sufficiently thin and comfortable, like a second skin. Depending on the workstation, protective gloves are reinforced against cuts (peeling food, cleaning sharp tools), contact heat (handling dishes in ovens) or cold (working with frozen products).

Finally, food gloves can be disposable or reusable. In the second case, they must be easily washable for impeccable hygiene.

Our different models of food contact gloves

The Lebon range of protective gloves offers PPE that is partially adapted to food risks. They all comply with the European standard EC/1935/2004 and have different characteristics. The Nitrifood gloves, made of nitrile-coated textured polyamide, are ideal for food contact and also offer good hand protection against punctures. The COLDSKIN cold protective glove is ambidextrous, and is made from 100% thermoregulatory yarn. The GTA/D/M/COT/SD, for protection against heat up to 250°C, is equipped with a 100% natural cotton canvas cuff with integrated magnet. In addition, silicone dots on the palm and back of the hands ensure a better grip.

The knitted food gloves are washable up to 83°. The elastic wrists guarantee a good fit and excellent insulation.

The blue color of the gloves, common to the majority of the models, makes it easy to see tears or deposits of material in the food, which are seldom of this color.

The food contact gloves can be complemented with Lebon’s personal protective equipment  for optimal safety.