Restaurant operators in California will not be able to use latex gloves beginning in 2020. In September, Governor Gavin Newsom signed legislation that bans latex gloves at retail food establishments. The law focuses on providing greater food safety for those with latex allergies.
The law notes that the number of reactions to latex allergies has grown from increased exposure to objects that contain latex. These reactions can occur from coming into contact with latex or consuming food that was touched by latex gloves. Latex allergies impact 6% of the United States population, as well as 17% of healthcare and foodservice professionals.
Here are the symptoms that can come from an allergic reaction to latex:
- Itching
- Hives
- Rashes
- Asthma reactions
- Gastrointestinal problems
Restaurants must adopt an alternative to latex gloves when handling and preparing food. Gloves made from nitrile, vinyl, and polyethylene will be accepted under the new legislation.
For more information about the new law, please read on at Nation’s Restaurant News.
