Can Powdered Gloves Put Your Food at Risk?

Mon, Aug 11, 25

In 2017, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) banned powdered surgical and examination gloves due to health risks, including latex sensitisation and surgical complications. Many in the global food and healthcare sectors assumed this set a worldwide standard, but that’s not the case for New Zealand. While New Zealand has no formal ban, the FDA’s reasoning highlights why high-quality gloves are critical in food processing.

The reasons behind the FDA ban highlight why quality examination-grade gloves matter in food processing. Tested to rigorous healthcare standards and with a low AQL (≤2.5), these gloves minimise defects and maximise barrier protection, helping prevent microbial contamination in food handling.

Regulatory Situation in New Zealand

New Zealand standards such as A S/NZS 4011.1:2014 and ISO ISO 11193-1:2020 govern glove performance, sterility, and design, but do not ban powdered gloves. These standards set benchmarks for barrier integrity, sizing, and sterility, ensuring glove safety in sensitive environments like food processing. Guidance emphasises risk-based glove use, strict hand hygiene, and single-use protocols, regardless of glove type.

Why Powdered Gloves Remain Problematic

Even without a legal prohibition, powdered gloves carry risks:

Allergen and sensitisation risk: Powdered natural rubber latex gloves can release allergens, potentially causing respiratory reactions, skin sensitisation, or exacerbating asthma.
Contamination Risk: Powder particles can increase contamination in sensitive environments, including food preparation areas.
False sense of safety: Even when worn, gloves are not a substitute for proper hand hygiene; improper use can increase contamination risk.

Best Practice

To reduce risk and align with international standards:

Choose powder-free gloves for medical, food-handling, or hygiene-sensitive tasks.
Follow glove-use guidance carefully: single-use, proper disposal, and hand hygiene before and after use (Health Quality & Safety Commission NZ “Clean Hands Saves Lives”).
Ensure compliance with NZ standards (AS/NZS, ISO) for barrier integrity and sterility.
Vet supplier carefully, avoiding low-cost or unverified imports, and prioritise traceable, quality-assured products.

Why You Should Update Your Glove Policy

Powdered gloves are not the safest choice, even if still legal. Eliminating powder:

Reduces latent risk from irritation, allergy, or sensitisation.
Supports quality assurance in a vulnerable supply environment.
Aligns your organisation with global best practice, which increasingly favours powder-free, latex-free gloves.

While the FDA’s 2017 ban does not apply in New Zealand, its reasoning remains valid. For most tasks, the safest choice in 2025 is a powder-free nitrile glove that meets recognised standards. Organisations should review their current glove practices and consider switching to safer alternatives while monitoring evolving regulatory guidance locally and internationally.

To reduce contamination risk and protect both staff and consumers, choose powder-free, high-quality gloves. Download our Glove Best Practice Guide to learn how to select gloves that balance safety, comfort, and compliance.

*Updated December 2025 to reflect current New Zealand guidance and best practices.