Under what circumstances must disposable gloves be changed often to prevent food contamination?

Disposable gloves must be changed frequently to prevent food contamination in various circumstances. Each situation presents a risk of cross-contamination, which can lead to foodborne illnesses.

When changing tasks, it is essential to change gloves because different food items may have varying levels of contamination risk. For instance, switching from preparing raw meat to ready-to-eat foods exposes the latter to potential pathogens that might be present on the former. Changing gloves ensures that the surfaces and hands that will come into contact with food remain uncontaminated.

After handling raw meat, it’s critical to change gloves as well. Raw meat can harbor harmful bacteria such as Salmonella and E. coli. If the same gloves are used to handle other foods without being changed, these pathogens can be transferred, resulting in contamination of foods that won't be cooked before consumption.

Additionally, if the gloves break, it is necessary to change them immediately to prevent any contact between contaminated surfaces and food items. The integrity of the gloves is vital for maintaining hygiene.

In summary, changing disposable gloves in these scenarios—after handling different types of food, especially high-risk items like raw meat, and when there is a breach in glove integrity—ensures a higher level of food safety and helps prevent cross-contamination.