application

Do you sell foodservice grade gloves?

There is no such thing as a foodservice grade glove. Foodservice gloves are either Multipurpose or Examination Grade Gloves. Tradex sells both Multipurpose and Examination Grade Gloves.

Are foodservice gloves foodservice approved?

The USDA does not approve, inspect or regulate multipurpose gloves in the way the FDA does with examination grade gloves. It does, however, mandate that gloves be manufactured with USDA/FDA accepted materials.

What type of glove should I use?

Glove selection is based upon the tasks, conditions and duration a glove will be used.

Are Ambitex gloves approved for foodservice use in Canada?

Ambitex multi-purpose gloves are accepted by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) for use in federally registered establishments.

latex allergy

What are the signs of latex allergy?

Latex allergy symptoms usually include skin rash at the point of contact. In rare instances, more serious symptoms may occur such as shortness of breath, low blood pressure or even death.

How is latex allergy treated?

The best treatment for latex allergy is to avoid contact with latex products. Tradex offers a variety of latex-free alternatives to meet your glove needs.

How prevalent is latex allergy?

Only about 2% of the population experiences latex allergy symptoms, although symptoms are more prevalent in industries such as healthcare when exposure to latex is more common.

What causes a latex allergy?

Latex allergy results from proteins contained in the latex which can produce a reaction upon skin contact.

Can the powder cause an allergic reaction?

While the powder does not contain the proteins to produce a reaction, it may carry protein residue from the glove thereby increasing the potential for a reaction.

Do powder-free gloves reduce the potential for an allergic reaction?

This depends on the process used to remove the powder from the glove. If the powder is removed following production of the glove, protein residue is also removed reducing the risk of a reaction. If powder is substituted during production, protein residue remains on the gloves providing no additional protection from allergic reaction.

general

How long can I use a disposable glove?

Disposable Gloves are single use gloves and should not be worn for more than ten to fifteen minutes in most cases. Glove life is based upon the tasks performed, the conditions of use, and the level of contact with cross contaminants.

What is the difference between supported and unsupported gloves?

A supported glove contains a fabric liner that is dipped into the glove compound to produce its protective coating. An unsupported glove, in contrast, is dipped directly into the glove compound producing perfectly molded gloves.

What does it mean for a glove to be flocklined?

Flocklined gloves contain an inner lining making the gloves easier to don than gloves without a lining.

Why use powder?

Powder makes gloves easier and quicker for a user to don, and provides added durability and comfort. Powder may, however, increase a glove's vulnerability to contaminants, and may increase the risk of allergies.

Is it safe to use lotion while wearing gloves?

Tradex does not recommend the use of lotion while wearing gloves the chemicals and oils contained in lotions can break down a glove's barrier protection.

Do disposable gloves expire?

While Ambitex gloves have no expiration date, it is recommended that gloves be used within two years of purchase.

Where should gloves be stored?

Always keep gloves in a dry, cool area to prevent degradation.

What is the powder used on gloves?

Powder used in Ambitex brand gloves is 100% USP (United States Pharmacopeia) cornstarch. USP is the "official public standards-setting authority for all prescription and over-the-counter medicines, dietary supplements, and other healthcare products manufactured and sold in the United States."

quality standards

What is AQL?

AQL (Acceptable Quality Level) refers to the defect rate in a given sample size of gloves. Used in as the standard sampling method in military and civilian applications, AQL is the standard specified by the ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) and used by the FDA to measure glove quality.

What is the ASTM?

The American Society for Testing and Materials is "a standards development organization that serves as an open forum for the development of international standards." ATSM authored the current specifications for Examination Grade Gloves and is the only association recognized or linked to glove quality and referenced by the FDA. ASTM is currently at work on a mulit-purpose glove standard.