Question:
In light of the shortage of nitrile gloves due to the coronavirus, can disposable nitrile gloves be sanitized by washing with soap and water? Need to conserve where possible.
– Director of food and nutrition, healthcare, Yonkers, N.Y.
Answer:
No. While much attention lately is rightly devoted to reducing the spread of COVID-19, it is important to keep in mind that good food safety practices are always a priority. Foodservice gloves are designed to be single-use and should be discarded when changed. In all times, and especially during this crisis, all proper food safety practices should be observed, glove use included.
You raise a good related point: Exam-grade nitrile gloves are high quality and in demand among both healthcare and foodservice professionals, resulting in shortages as individuals and organizations increase their purchasing and stockpile. While nitrile gloves can be used in both healthcare and foodservice, many foodservice gloves are not appropriate for use in healthcare. Be a good citizen by changing your supply chain to focus on poly or vinyl foodservice gloves that will not divert exam-grade medical supplies from the people who need them most.
More on glove hygiene here.