When should gloves be changed while preparing food?

Changing gloves during food preparation is critical for maintaining food safety and preventing cross-contamination. The correct answer highlights essential moments when glove changes are necessary.

Gloves should be changed after handling raw foods because raw meats, poultry, and seafood can harbor bacteria that can contaminate other foods if the same gloves are reused. When switching between food types, such as from raw meat to ready-to-eat foods, changing gloves helps eliminate the risk of spreading pathogens. Additionally, gloves should be replaced whenever they become damaged or soiled, as damaged gloves can no longer provide a barrier to contamination, and soiled gloves can transfer harmful bacteria.

This practice aligns with food safety guidelines to ensure that food is prepared safely, thereby protecting consumers and maintaining public health standards. The other options do not fully address the situations when glove changes are essential for preventing cross-contamination, making them less effective for ensuring food safety.