Reduction of use of latex gloves in food handlers: an intervention study

Frequent latex glove use is a risk factor for the development of latex allergy. With the increase in latex glove use, latex allergy has become more prevalent. There are a number of occupational groups in which the use of latex gloves is both inappropriate and even hazardous, including food handlers, where the hazard relates particularly to their latex-sensitive customers. The aim of this study was to assess both the use of latex gloves by food handlers and the impact of an intervention study on reducing latex glove use. This was done at the Queen Victoria Market in Melbourne, Australia. We found that 10 out of 30 stalls (33%) used latex gloves, and that following a short education program, this was reduced to 1 stall (3%, p=0.006). The potential to reduce latex glove use by using this intervention study was 93% (95% confidence interval of 54%-100%). We recommend that food handlers be educated during their training, not only about hygiene issues, but also about the appropriate type of glove to wear, in order to prevent both the development of a new occupational group at risk of becoming allergic to latex, but more importantly to protect their latex-sensitive customers.