What is the primary purpose of wearing gloves while cooking?

Wearing gloves while cooking is primarily aimed at avoiding cross-contamination, a critical aspect of food safety. When preparing food, especially raw meats, seafood, or produce, there is a significant risk of transferring harmful bacteria or allergens from one surface or ingredient to another. By using gloves, cooks can create a barrier that minimizes the transfer of these pathogens, ensuring that the food remains safe for consumption. This practice is vital in maintaining hygiene and preventing foodborne illnesses, particularly in a busy kitchen environment where multiple ingredients are handled.

While keeping hands warm might be a consideration in certain scenarios, it is not the primary reason for gloves in cooking. Making cooking stylish and enhancing flavor are also not relevant to the primary function of wearing gloves in the kitchen. The emphasis is squarely on maintaining food safety and health standards.