Some gloves are marked for touching food. The test method behind that mark is EN 1186. This guide explains what the test looks for, how the marking is written, and how to choose a glove when the job includes food.
In plain terms, EN 1186 checks whether anything from the glove material passes into food. It is a materials test. It does not replace a plant's own hygiene rules about where a glove may be worn or how often it is changed. The code is the secondary detail on the marking. When a glove in this range has passed, the product page says EU food contact approved (EN 1186).
EN 1186 is the European test method for materials that touch food. It measures whether anything from the glove passes into the food. A glove that passes can be used in direct contact with food in the EU, sometimes with limits such as "not for fatty foods". It is written EU food contact approved (EN 1186).
The glass and fork pictogram is the mark to look for on the glove or the box. A limit can sit beside the approval. The GRANBERG 8080 is EU food contact approved (EN 1186), and its product description excludes direct contact with fatty foods. The GRANBERG 0381 record says it is EU food contact approved (EN 1186) for all food types, including fatty foods. Read the product page rather than assuming one approval covers every food.
Where the glove touches food, confirm the product page says EU food contact approved (EN 1186). On this site, nitrile is the usual choice for food processing because it resists fats and oils and contains no natural rubber protein. A thin single use glove suits change points. A reusable liner or winter glove suits cold rooms when that model carries the same approval.
The single use gloves page explains the food contact mark for disposable nitrile and latex. Reusable examples in the list below include the GRANBERG 0381 knitted liner and the GRANBERG 504, whose record lists EN 388 1X41D, ANSI cut level A5 and EU food contact approved (EN 1186). Every visible glove whose record includes EN 1186 is listed below.
EN 1186 is the European test method for materials that touch food. A glove that passes can be used in direct contact with food in the EU, sometimes with limits such as "not for fatty foods". It is written EU food contact approved (EN 1186).
No. EN 1186 is the food contact materials test. Chemical resistance is a separate marking under EN ISO 374. A glove can carry both, and each marking should be read on its own.
Treat that limit as part of the approval. The glove can still be EU food contact approved (EN 1186) for the foods the product page allows. Do not use it for foods the page excludes.
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