Are Black Nitrile Gloves Food Safe?

Yes. Black nitrile gloves are food safe — as long as they are clearly labeled and certified for food contact.

Color does not determine food safety. Certification does.

How to Confirm Black Nitrile Gloves Are Food Safe

Always check the box or product packaging for clear labeling. Food-safe black nitrile gloves will include one or more of the following:

• FDA compliant for food contact

• FDA 21 CFR 177.2600 (rubber articles intended for repeated food contact)

• Food safe / food handling approved

• Suitable for food processing or food service

If this information is printed on the box, the gloves are approved for food handling—regardless of color.

Why Black Nitrile Gloves Are Common in Food Service

Black nitrile gloves are widely used in food environments for practical reasons:

• Resistant to oils and fats, making them suitable for greasy foods

• Durable and tear-resistant, reducing contamination risk

• Latex-free, eliminating allergy concerns

• High visibility for light-colored foods, helping detect glove damage or residue

Their popularity is driven by performance and visibility—not aesthetics alone.

What Does Not Matter for Food Safety

• ❌ Color (black, blue, white, etc.)

• ❌ Industrial vs “exam” appearance

• ❌ Thickness alone

Only certification and labeling matter.

Best Practices for Food Handling

Even with food-safe gloves:

• Wash hands before putting gloves on

• Change gloves between tasks

• Replace gloves if torn or contaminated

• Never reuse disposable gloves

Bottom Line

Black nitrile gloves are food safe when they are FDA compliant and clearly labeled for food contact. Always verify certification on the box—don’t rely on color or assumptions.

To learn more about black nitrile gloves, click here.