When should food handlers change their gloves?

Food handlers should change their gloves after handling raw food, whenever the gloves become torn, or after a specific task is completed to ensure food safety and prevent cross-contamination. This practice is vital in a food service environment because different types of food, especially raw meats, can carry harmful bacteria. By changing gloves after handling such foods, handlers minimize the risk of transferring pathogens to ready-to-eat foods.

Moreover, if gloves become torn, they can no longer provide a barrier against contamination, making it essential to change them immediately. Changing gloves after completing specific tasks also helps to keep food items safe from any contaminants that may have been present during a different process, such as preparing raw vegetables versus cooking meat.

This option emphasizes the importance of maintaining proper hygiene standards and practicing effective food safety protocols, which are critical in preventing foodborne illnesses. Other choices either don't address the necessary points regarding food safety or suggest practices that may lead to an increased risk of contamination.