EPI in the catering and food industry: combining hygiene, comfort and protection
In the catering and food industry sectors, PPE is an essential shield to contribute to safety, hygiene and regulatory compliance.

In the catering and food industry sectors, PPE is an essential shield to contribute to safety, hygiene and regulatory compliance.
In the catering and food industry sectors, PPE is an essential shield to contribute to safety, hygiene and regulatory compliance.
Expertise
Update 04.03.25
From harvesting to preparation, including transport, analysis and processing, workers in the agri-food sector are exposed to a wide range of risks: contamination, cuts, burns, falls to the ground or exposure to chemicals.
The professions involved are as numerous as the work environments: farmers, restaurateurs, production line operators, warehousemen, nutrition engineers, packaging agents, refrigeration technicians, health inspectors, etc.
Guaranteeing the safety of these operators is of paramount importance, and to this must be added a second challenge: the need to preserve the quality and safety of food products throughout the production chain.
In this context, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) plays a key role in providing an optimum protective barrier and ensuring compliance with the strict hygiene standards that will protect consumer health.
Although disposable PPE is not always recommended, it is an effective way of ensuring optimum hygiene, which is essential for certain sensitive operations. Delta Plus offers a range of disposable head coverings, gloves and gowns that are nonetheless resistant to tearing.
Food industry workers can be exposed to bacteria and viruses, as well as chemicals such as pesticides and additives that can cause allergies and irritation.
Protecting your face and hands with visors, goggles and waterproof gloves is therefore essential. Respiratory masks can also be recommended to prevent inhalation of particles or toxic aerosols. Available in different filtration levels, these PPEs should be chosen according to the specific risk to which the worker is exposed.
In the agri-food sector, it is often useful to protect against splashes, splashes and dirt. Coated, PVC or nitrile aprons are effective for this purpose and are easy to clean. Coveralls offer workers almost complete protection, from shoulder to toe, while allowing great freedom of movement:
- disposable models are popular in areas requiring strict hygiene,
- Reusable models often offer enhanced waterproofing, resistance to chemicals and breathability to limit perspiration.
The agri-food sector , like the catering industry, involves numerous handling operations: cutting meat, taking a dish out of the oven, carrying heavy loads, etc. The right handling gloves are essential to prevent cuts, injuries and burns, as well as contamination.
Delta Plus offers a wide range of gloves adapted to different tasks: latex gloves, nitrile gloves, including metal mesh or cuffs.
Good to know: the smooth coating makes cleaning easier and reduces the risk of contamination.
Puddles and spills are not uncommon when handling liquid products, so non-slip, waterproof safety footwear is essential.
- Clogs, for example, are lightweight, comfortable, easy to put on and easy to clean,
- Delta Plus has also developed Aerofood boots: dedicated to the food industry, they offer excellent resistance to water and oils. Their sole prevents slipping, while complying with hygiene standards.
For certain professionals - refrigeration workers or operators handling frozen products - it is essential to wear equipment offering thermal protection against the cold.
Multiplying the layers and choosing breathable clothing is one of the best practices to follow. As far as your hands are concerned, you should wear gloves that are suitable for handling frozen foods: their sleek design and smooth surface limit the risk of contamination and make them easier to clean.
Delta Plus manufactures and distributes PPE designed for each trade, sector and regulatory standard: discover our other articles dedicated to protection in the building and civil engineering sector, the activities of electricians and the chemical industry.