When an employee lays in-use utensils on the drainboard and returns to cook area, does this require a glove change?

In food service operations, the use of gloves is governed by the need to prevent cross-contamination. When an employee lays in-use utensils on the drainboard and returns to the cooking area, this action does not represent a change in food preparation tasks. Therefore, a glove change is not mandated simply because the utensils have been placed on the drainboard.

Glove changes are typically required when there is a transition from one task to another that involves handling different types of food, particularly when switching from raw to ready-to-eat items or after any activity that presents a risk of contamination. Since laying utensils on the drainboard does not alter the nature of the employee's task or introduce a risk of cross-contamination, glove use remains appropriate under these circumstances.

In assessing the correct actions regarding food safety and hygiene, the focus is on task management and the potential for contamination that arises from handling various food items or switching tasks. Therefore, in the scenario described, since no task change occurred, there is no requirement to change gloves.