In Eagle Protect’s groundbreaking research, over 2,800 disposable glove samples (26 different brands) were analyzed for cleanliness. Microbial analysis tested the bioburden on both the inside (skin contact) and outside (food and patient contact) of gloves. The tests included fungal and microbial contaminants that could pose a threat to the product or person handled or the glove wearer.
Results discovered hundreds of unique viable microbial species, including Bacillus cereus, E. coli, Salmonella, Listeria, Streptococcus and Staphylococcus. Around 50% of gloves sampled had indications of human fecal contamination, with 58% having indications of animal fecal contamination.
Around 50% of gloves sampled had indications of human fecal contamination, with 58% having indications of animal fecal contamination.
To safeguard your business from the risk of glove cross-contamination, Eagle has launched its multi-layered proprietary glove testing program, Delta Zero™ (patent pending), ensuring Eagle gloves adhere to the highest level of consistent glove safety and performance, and are absent of unsafe chemicals, toxins and microbial contaminants.
What causes glove contamination?
Glove contamination results from the largely unregulated production and manufacturing, using putrid water sources and unsanitary conditions. Glove manufacturing is water-intensive, and factories tend to be located in areas of very poor water quality, with animal and human waste contamination. Some factories use these contaminated water systems and recycle water, increasing pathogen and fecal contamination. Cost savings can also be made by reducing sanitizing procedures like cutting down on cleaning tanks and lowering water temperature. Currently, there is limited and infrequent glove compliance testing on import to the US, which can lead to undetected glove pathogen and toxin contamination.
Contact us to learn how Eagle’s Delta Zero™ glove analysis can help eliminate glove risks to your food safety programs.
