Rising Seafood Options, Continued Need for Protective Equipment
The Rise of Seafood Options
In recent years, the allure of seafood has captured the palates of diners across the nation. The delectable array of seafood options gracing menus has continually increased. From succulent shrimp and flaky salmon to delicate scallops and briny oysters, the demand of consumers for diversity in seafood options continues to rise, according to the National Fisheries Institute. In fact, oysters joined the staples of shrimp, cod and tuna in the top ten list for the first time ever (NFI, 2024). Despite ups and downs, however, one item remains constant: the necessity of protective equipment designed to safeguard against cross-contamination and maintain high standards of food service operations and compliance.
Importation vs. Domestic Production
As the demand for seafood surges, its sourcing has steadily shifted from domestic to imported. In fact, around 80% of seafood in the United States is shipped from overseas, trending positively over the past three decades. Some states, such as Alabama and Louisiana, have passed legislation that requires operators to disclose whether their seafood is imported while domestic aquaculture is rallying and repositioning itself (Rexroad, 2024)
Necessity of Protective Equipment and Proper Handwashing
Amidst the burgeoning popularity of seafood options, regardless of their sourcing, ever fixed is the imperative for stringent food safety measures. The risk of cross-contamination, particularly in the context of norovirus and other foodborne illnesses, underscores the critical need for protective equipment such as disposable gloves paired with their routine replacement and meticulous handwashing practices. Norovirus accounts for over half of foodborne illness in the United States, according to the CDC, which recommends the use of gloves when handling ready-to-eat food (2024). Ever solution-oriented, Handgards® offers a comprehensive range of gloves meticulously crafted to ensure superior protection, dexterity, and comfort for food service professionals. Our commitment to elevating food safety aligns perfectly with the industry’s endeavor to minimize risks and uphold the highest standards of culinary excellence.
The Handgards® Advantage
With a legacy of expertise and a steadfast dedication to food safety, Handgards® empowers food service establishments with industry-leading protective solutions. For handling seafood, our Handgards® Latex gloves are an excellent choice: tight-fitting and allowing for precision work. For those with allergies, our BasicGards® Vitrile gloves, available in blue and black, offer the flexibility and softness of nitrile, combining with the fit and dexterity of vinyl – a perfect match.
Check out our full line of gloves, providing the right glove, for the right task, at the right price, using our online tool. Contact your Handgards® representative today for more information, and we will find the right solution for your operational needs.
References
CDC. (2024, May 8). Norovirus Fact Sheet for Food Workers. Retrieved from Center for Disease Control: https://www.cdc.gov/norovirus/communication-resources/facts-for-food-workers.html
Media, N. (2024, November 11). NFI Annual Top 10 List Looks at Seafood’s Most Consumed Species in 2022. Retrieved from National Fisheries Institute: http://www.nfi.org/
Rexroad, C. G. (2024, May 22). Amber Waves, USDA Economic Research Service. Retrieved from U.S. Seafood Imports Expand as Domestic Aquaculture Industry Repositions Itself: https://www.ers.usda.gov/amber-waves/2024/may/u-s-seafood-imports-expand-as-domestic-aquaculture-industry-repositions-itself/