Why PPE Is Important in the Food Industry

PPE is incredibly important in the food industry as not only do they help maintain food safety and quality standards, but they are designed to protect workers from health and safety hazards on the job. But that’s not all! Keep reading to discover 3 reasons why ppe is so important in the food industry.

PPE is important in the food industry because:

1. It is a legal requirement
2. It helps to protect the kitchen staff
3. It helps to protect the end customer & brand reputation

1. It Is a Legal Requirement

In the food industry, PPE is a legal requirement here in the UK, outlined in the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) guidance on personal protective equipment at work.

The HSE clearly states that employers must provide necessary PPE to their employees wherever there is risk to their safety that cannot be adequately controlled by other means, such as administrative controls. Employers must also ensure that the PPE they provide is suitable for the job carried out and that employees are trained in how to use it correctly. 

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) also has specific guidance on PPE for food handlers to help ensure food safety and quality. Learn more about food hygiene requirements by the FSA here. 

2. It Helps To Protect the Kitchen Staff

The health and safety of employees should be an employer’s number 1 priority, and with staff in the food industry exposed to harmful chemicals, heavy equipment and infections, PPE is absolutely essential. 

Prevention of Contamination & Infections

By wearing disposable PPE, such as disposable gloves and mobcaps, staff can prevent the spread of bacteria and infections by providing a barrier between them and possible sources of contamination. 

For example, the use of nitrile gloves can protect against cuts and grazes, which if left exposed, can allow bacteria and viruses to enter the body. Wearing a face mask or face shield will protect the face and therefore reduce the risk of inhaling droplets that might contain viruses or bacteria, especially when preparing food. Likewise, wearing a disposable visitors coat or apron can help protect the employees clothing from spills, preventing the spread of bacteria and other food contaminants.

PPE can help reduce the spread of infections between kitchen staff, as they are less likely to touch their face or spread germs to peers when sneezing or coughing.

Protection From Burns and Cuts

In a busy kitchen environment, common hazards include hot surfaces and sharp objects, which is why PPE such as oven mitts and cut-resistant gloves, can help prevent burns and cuts.

3. It Helps to Protect The End Customer & Brand Reputation

As well as protecting the staff, wearing PPE in the kitchen can help protect the customer from potential sources of foodborne illness. This will, in turn, help to ensure the quality and most importantly, safety, of the food that the customers consume.

When customers, for example in a cafe or restaurant, see that the workers are wearing PPE, they will feel much more confident that the food they are consuming is safe and free from contamination. This will therefore increase customer satisfaction, loyalty and brand reputation. 

PPE Used in the Food Industry

In the food industry, PPE must be worn to not only protect workers from splashes, cuts, burns, and anything else that could hurt them, but must also protect the food being produced. Here are 3 main pieces of disposable PPE that must be worn in the food industry to ensure the utmost safety to everyone involved. 

Nitrile Gloves

Kitchen workers often wear gloves to protect their hands from coming into contact with food or surfaces that may be contaminated, and although there are a number of different types of gloves available, nitrile gloves are best suited for the food industry.

Nitrile gloves are well known for their strong durability and therefore are commonly used for food processing and food packaging. They also don’t contain protein which means they can be used safely by people who are allergic to latex, which is common in large food processing environments.

Mob Caps and Beard Snoods

Mob caps and beard snoods are another essential disposable personal protective equipment used to cover the hair and facial hair to prevent hair from falling into food and potentially contaminating it. 

Even when it looks clean, hair can carry bacteria and viruses that can lead to foodborne illness, and it is therefore essential that hair nets and beard snoods are worn to minimise the risk of contamination during food preparation and service. Discover how to properly wear a hairnet and beard snood here. 

Aprons / Coats 

Aprons and coats are another important piece of protective clothing when working in a kitchen, as they act as a barrier between the worker and the food they are handling or preparing. This barrier protects food and other substances from coming into contact with the worker’s clothing, ensuring the cleanliness of the worker’s clothing and reducing the risk of cross-contamination.

For more information on food hygiene and personal protective wear, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our friendly, expert team on 01686 611 377, today.

Written by Kate, for MorSafe Supplies.