Food handlers must wear ______ when handling ready-to-eat foods.

Food handlers must wear single-use gloves when handling ready-to-eat foods to ensure food safety and prevent cross-contamination. Ready-to-eat foods are those that do not require further cooking or processing before consumption, making it critical to use gloves to protect them from contaminants that may be present on hands. Single-use gloves create a barrier between the food and any potential pathogens or impurities, thereby safeguarding the health of consumers.

Using single-use gloves also adheres to hygiene regulations, as gloves are designed to be used once and then discarded, minimizing the risk of transferring bacteria or allergens to the food. It's important that food handlers change their gloves regularly—such as when switching tasks or if gloves become soiled—to maintain high standards of food safety.

Reusable gloves, while they can be used in food service, often require proper cleaning and sanitization in between uses. This can sometimes lead to residual contaminants remaining, making them less ideal for direct contact with ready-to-eat foods. Protective aprons and face masks serve different purposes, primarily related to personal protection and preventing food contamination rather than providing a direct barrier for food handling.