Why is it important to use blue gloves when handling raw products?

Using blue gloves when handling raw products is crucial primarily to prevent cross-contamination. This practice is essential in food safety to ensure that harmful bacteria or pathogens from raw foods do not transfer to ready-to-eat items or other surfaces, which could lead to foodborne illnesses.

Blue gloves serve as a visual cue for handlers and others in the kitchen environment; they signify that specific precautions are in place when handling raw items like meat, poultry, or fish, which are more likely to harbor dangerous bacteria. By minimizing the risk of cross-contamination, blue gloves contribute significantly to maintaining safe food handling practices and protecting the health of consumers.

While other factors like cleanliness, grip, and professionalism are relevant in a kitchen setting, the primary focus of wearing gloves, especially in the context of handling raw products, centers on preventing cross-contamination.