Nitrile gloves are one of the most commonly available types of disposable gloves. They are a highly versatile alternative to other disposable glove types and are often recommended for food handling.
However, not all nitrile gloves are the same. It is vital to recognize the different types of gloves available and know how to differentiate the models safe for food prep and those better suited to other applications.
Nitrile refers to a synthetic rubber product known as nitrile butadiene rubber, also called NBR or, simply, nitrile rubber.
Nitrile rubber is a material highly resistant to oils, fuels, and many other chemicals. Although this material has many applications (seals, O-rings, gaskets), it is most commonly known for being used in the construction of medical and food-service gloves.
The main advantage of nitrile gloves is their versatility and durability, superior to the polyethylene or vinyl glove, and comparable to the latex glove, the previous standard in the food industry.
Like latex, nitrile gloves provide a snug fit, possess great elasticity, protection against abrasions, tears, punctures, and resistance to water, oil, and solvents. These properties make nitrile gloves ideal for handling multiple types of foods, from fresh fruit and vegetables to raw meats, preventing the wearer from contaminating food and causing foodborne illnesses.
The primary difference between latex and nitrile is the nature of the glove’s material; latex gloves can cause severe adverse reactions to some people. In contrast, nitrile is 100% safe for individuals suffering from a latex allergy, making it a great option for a broader range of people.
Although nitrile gloves may be sold and marketed for various applications, the two most important criteria for the food handling industry are their grade and whether they are powder-free.
Nitrile gloves may be either food-grade, industrial-grade, or medical-grade (also called examination-grade). Although they use the same raw materials in their construction, there may be significant differences in thickness, manufacturing processes, and overall material quality.
The main difference between the different nitrile glove grades is whether the gloves pass FDA safety tests and requirements for that specific application, using various chemical penetration, abrasion, and puncture resistance tests to determine their quality level.
Although the FDA may consider all three suitable for food preparation, the exam-grade requirements are more stringent than those for industrial applications; in other words, medical-grade gloves are more resilient and meet a higher quality standard.
The higher durability of exam-grade gloves presents many advantages relevant to food safety: they are less likely to be cut or punctured, protecting the wearer more efficiently. Should they eventually tear or lose their integrity over prolonged use, these gloves lose fewer pieces, which can fall into and contaminate food products.
Most nitrile gloves are available in two forms: powdered or powder-free.
Powdered nitrile gloves are coated in fine cornstarch powder, a natural moisture-absorbing substance intended to make it easier to don the gloves and keep the wearer’s hands dry and sweat-free.
However, powdered gloves present many disadvantages: the powder tends to remain stuck to the wearer’s hands and other surfaces after removing the gloves, carrying a long list of potential health risks, such as airway inflammations, respiratory irritations, and allergic reactions.
Powder-free nitrile gloves employ different manufacturing processes to recreate the properties of cornstarch powder, such as chlorination or polymer coating. These processes allow wearers to don the gloves with more ease than untreated or uncoated gloves, without the disadvantages of cornstarch powder.
The safest and most durable nitrile gloves for food preparation on the market are powder-free medical-grade gloves. They offer the highest durability, adhere to the most stringent quality and safety standards, and are not coated using cornstarch glove powder, which can spread into the wearer’s airways or onto food.
Whether you need gloves for food handling or other types of personal protective equipment, it’s vital to have a reputable source known for the quality of their products.
At ICU Production, Inc., we are a leading supplier of PPE products suitable for many applications and industries, from food preparation to healthcare. Our products are FDA-approved and made according to the highest safety standards, giving you quality protection and peace of mind.
With high quality products and considerate service, we will work together with you to enhance your business and improve the efficiency. Please don't hesitate to contact us to get more details of Industrial Nitrile Gloves.