Global Glove Safety Day
On September 18, we mark Global Glove Safety Day, highlighting the vital role disposable gloves play in protecting food safety across New Zealand & globally. At Eagle Protect, we are committed to more than just supplying gloves; we aim to elevate food safety standards by ensuring the highest quality, independently tested gloves are used in food handling.
The source, type and quality of gloves, along with their proper use, are critical to preventing food contamination. This year, in partnership with food safety leader Dr. Darin Detwiler, Global Glove Safety Day returns in 2025 with a powerful reminder:
“Don’t assume gloved hands are clean hands.” – Dr. Darin Detwiler
By raising awareness about glove safety, we can reduce contamination risks across global and local food systems, because safe food handling is #InOurHands.
Why This Matters in New Zealand
New Zealand’s food industry has a global reputation for safety, but risks don’t stop at our borders.
Peer-reviewed studies have uncovered pathogens such as E. coli, Listeria, Aspergillus, and even Anthrax on disposable gloves entering international supply chains. Low-quality gloves are more likely to tear, increasing the risk of contamination from sweat and poor hand hygiene (‘glove juice’), leaving glove fragments in food and driving up costs through waste and lost productivity.
Message from Dr. Darin Detwiler
Eagle Protect is proud to partner with Dr. Darin Detwiler in leading Global Glove Safety Day.
Darin’s dedication to food safety is deeply personal. In 1993, his 16-month-old son Riley tragically died from an E. coli infection during a foodborne illness outbreak. Since then, Darin has become one of the world’s most respected food safety advocates, advising the USDA and FDA, authoring books, and educating future leaders in food regulation. He also appears in the Emmy Award–winning documentary Poisoned: The Dirty Truth About Your Food.
“We assume gloves protect us. But assumptions don’t stop pathogens. Standards do.” – Dr. Darin Detwiler
Four Steps to Safer GlovesImproving glove safety is not about regulation—it’s about responsibility. Proper hygiene and timely glove changes are essential. Here’s how New Zealand businesses can lead:
“You wouldn’t wash your hands in dirty water. Why accept gloves manufactured in it?” |
Join the Conversation on Safe Food PracticesEvery meal, every production line, every interaction depends on trust. Gloves are a frontline defence, but only if they are clean, safe, and sourced responsibly. On Global Glove Safety Day, we invite New Zealand’s food processors, hospitality providers, and food & beverage industry leaders to re-examine glove safety. Because food safety isn’t just compliance, it’s #InOurHands.  |
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Further Learning: Enhance Your Food Safety Knowledge
To help you stay informed and improve your food safety practices, we've curated a selection of key resources. Explore these articles to learn more:
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