How Antimicrobial Gloves Can Transform Food Safety
Food safety and sustainability remain top priorities for the global food industry. Each year, approximately one-third of all food produced is wasted, according to the UNEP Food Waste Index Report 2021. Preventing contamination and protecting the integrity of food during handling is critical to not only to reduce waste, but also to safeguard consumers and uphold brand trust.
Unigloves are proud to support food businesses in meeting these challenges. In partnership with KluraLabs™, a leader in antimicrobial solutions, Unigloves is helping the food industry improve hygiene standards with their innovation: CrossGuard antimicrobial nitrile gloves.
The Hidden Risk: Foodborne Illnesses
Foodborne illnesses continue to be a serious global concern. The World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates that more than 600 million people fall ill from contaminated food every year, with 420,000 fatalities. For food manufacturers and handlers, pathogens like E. coli and Listeria are constant threats, putting consumer safety and brand reputation at risk.
CrossGuard antimicrobial nitrile gloves provide a simple yet highly effective solution. By reducing bacterial contamination at the source, these gloves add a vital layer of protection to food handling processes.
Science-Backed Protection
CrossGuard gloves use the same materials as standard nitrile gloves, enhanced through advanced surface chemistry to create an antimicrobial effect. They are:
- Food-safe and suitable for all food types
- Effective against key foodborne pathogens, including E. coli and Listeria
- Proven to eliminate 99.99% of selected bacteria
- Classified as a Class I medical device in Europe, third-party ASTM validated
- Free from active ingredients and non-leaching
“We’ve taken the ingredients of standard nitrile gloves, adjusted the levels, and created a food-safe glove with no active ingredients. These gloves will make a real impact on the food handling industry,” explains Blake Gudgel, CEO of KluraLabs™.
Protecting Your Brand and Reducing Risk
Maintaining product quality and safety is essential for food companies. Contamination and recalls can be costly, both financially and reputationally. Even minor contamination events can erode consumer trust and lead to legal consequences.
“Food safety isn’t just about protecting consumers; it’s about preserving the integrity of your brand,” says Chris Wahlers, MD of Unigloves UK. “CrossGuard gives companies confidence that contamination risks are minimised, leading to fewer recalls, less waste, and a trusted, stronger reputation.”
By incorporating antimicrobial gloves into your food handling processes, businesses can reduce the risk of recalls, cut down on food waste, and maintain high hygiene standards across production and preparation areas.
A Step Towards Sustainable Food Handling
As the food industry strives for sustainability, reducing food waste and ensuring safe handling are more important than ever. CrossGuard antimicrobial nitrile gloves help food businesses achieve both goals of protecting the supply chain and making a tangible difference in food safety, hygiene, and sustainability.
Unigloves remain committed to supporting the food industry with innovative solutions that protect workers, safeguard consumers, and uphold brand integrity. CrossGuard gloves are not just another product, they represent a new standard in food safety and sustainable food handling.
Content created in partnership with Unigloves.
