Food Industry Gloves

About Food Industry Gloves

Food industry gloves are specialised protective handwear engineered to meet the demanding hygiene and safety requirements of food processing, preparation, and handling environments. MyToolShed.co.uk supplies professional-grade food industry gloves from Portwest, designed to protect workers from cuts, abrasions, and contamination risks whilst ensuring compliance with UK food safety regulations. Whether working in commercial kitchens, butcheries, fish processing facilities, or food manufacturing operations, the right protective gloves are essential for maintaining both workplace safety and food hygiene standards.

The food industry gloves range at MyToolShed includes chainmail gloves and gauntlets offering exceptional cut resistance for butchers and meat processors, double-dipped latex gauntlets providing chemical resistance and superior grip in wet conditions, and pro cut liner gloves combining flexibility with protection. All products comply with EN standards for cut resistance and food contact approval, withstanding frequent washing and sanitisation whilst maintaining protective properties throughout demanding shifts.

Applications

Food industry gloves are essential protective equipment across numerous food-related sectors:

• Butchers and Meat Processors: Maximum cut protection during meat preparation and processing with sharp knives and cleavers
• Commercial Kitchen Staff: Chefs and prep cooks handling knives, mandolins, and slicing equipment
• Fish Mongers and Seafood Processors: Working with filleting knives in wet, slippery conditions
• Delicatessen Counter Staff: Operating mechanical slicers and handling sharp cutting tools
• Food Manufacturing Workers: Operating production line equipment and industrial cutting machinery
• Catering Operations: Large-scale food preparation requiring high-volume cutting protection
• Bakery Workers: Handling dough cutting equipment and industrial slicers
• Abattoir Workers: Heavy-duty cut and puncture protection in meat processing facilities

Choosing The Right Food Industry Gloves

Assess Cut Risk Level: Chainmail gloves offer the highest protection for butchery and heavy meat processing, whilst cut-resistant liner gloves provide excellent protection with greater dexterity. Check EN 388 cut resistance ratings (A to F) to ensure adequate protection for your specific tasks.

Food Safety Compliance: Ensure gloves are certified for food contact and meet UK food hygiene regulations. Products must withstand regular cleaning and sanitisation without degrading or contaminating food.

Working Conditions: Double-dipped latex gauntlets excel in wet environments with superior grip and chemical resistance. Chainmail performs well in both wet and dry conditions but requires regular maintenance.

Dexterity Requirements: Balance protection with manual dexterity needed for detailed knife work. Modern cut liner gloves maintain flexibility whilst providing protection, whereas chainmail offers maximum safety with slightly reduced dexterity.

Sizing and Fit: Properly fitted gloves are crucial for safety and efficiency. Note whether gloves are sold singly or in pairs, and whether they're ambidextrous or hand-specific—particularly important for chainmail models.

Safety Information

Food industry gloves are critical PPE that must comply with HSE guidelines and the Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992. Inspect gloves before each use for cuts, tears, or deterioration—damaged gloves compromise both worker safety and food hygiene. Clean and sanitise gloves regularly according to food safety protocols, following manufacturer guidance for washing temperatures and approved cleaning agents. Remember that no glove provides complete protection; always use proper knife handling techniques and maintain safe working practices. Ensure all staff receive proper training on glove selection, fitting, limitations, and maintenance as part of workplace health and safety induction.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are chainmail gloves necessary for professional butchery work?

Yes, chainmail gloves provide the highest level of cut protection available and are considered essential PPE for professional butchers and meat processors. The HSE strongly recommends their use where sharp knives are handled regularly, and they significantly reduce the risk of serious lacerations. Quality chainmail gloves from Portwest can last for years with proper maintenance, making them cost-effective long-term protection.

Do food industry gloves come in left and right hand versions?

Many food industry gloves, particularly chainmail models available at MyToolShed.co.uk, are sold as single gloves designed for either left or right hand use. This allows economical purchasing based on your needs, as many workers only require protection on their non-knife hand. Other gloves, particularly cut liner styles, are often ambidextrous and sold in pairs. Always check product specifications before ordering.

How often should food industry gloves be replaced?

Replacement frequency depends on usage intensity and glove type. Chainmail gloves can last several years with proper maintenance, though textile straps may need more frequent replacement. Cut liner gloves typically last 3-6 months with regular use and washing, but should be replaced immediately if cut resistance diminishes or holes appear. Coated gloves need replacement when coating becomes damaged or loses grip.