Beware of low-cost products. Trust certified products.

The COVID-19 pandemic has created an unprecedented worldwide demand for personal protective equipment such as clothing, masks and above all gloves. Every day, professionals in the world of work – and beyond – seek to protect themselves and others from the spread of this terrible virus.

The market has responded quickly but this high demand has also led to the emergence of numerous cases of fraud at the expense of end users. In recent months, in fact, Italian and European markets have seen an invasion of low-quality and very economical gloves of dubious origin and suitability.

So how can we protect ourselves from this fraudulent behaviour? Here are a number of signs that may indicate the sale of non-conforming equipment:

• The inability to identify the origins of the product sold
• The lack of a batch number, production date and/or expiry date
• Excessively low prices in comparison to similar products on the market
• The availability of large quantities of products

Furthermore, Regulation (EU) 2016/425 on PPE sets out all the details that must be respected in marketing products. Firstly, the label and declaration of conformity must be legible in the language of the country of sale, while markings must contain all r elative references allowing identification of the producer. In addition, the same Regulation establishes the obligations of manufacturers, representatives, importers and distributors. Violations by all entities involved in the production chain are clearly punishable.

It is therefore always advisable to rely on trustworthy partners with proven and lengthy experience in the sector. Nitrile gloves comply with all medical, occupational safety (PPE) and food regulations and guarantee high quality, strength and product safety. In particular, YICHANG products comply with the following regulations:

• Medical devices – Regulation (EU) 2017/745 – EN 455 standards 1, 2, 3, 4
• Personal protective equipment – Regulation EU 2016/425– EN 420 – EN 374-1 – EN 374-5 – EN 388
• FCM (Food Contact Materials) DM 21/03/1973, Regulation EU 10/2011, Regulation EC 1935/2004

It is therefore advisable to be wary of products that do not display these regulations in a clear manner on the packaging.

Way back in 2016, when we founded our prestigious collaboration with the Italian Federation of Chefs (the FIC), the most important association in the sector, with 16,000 associates of which 12,000 are professional chefs, our aim was to create synergy with an entity that pays particular attention to all aspects of hygiene and contact with food. Aspects which appear to be marginal, but which are essential components of quality cuisine.

The collaboration with the FIC has contributed to YICHANG now being able to offer a comprehensive line of gloves suitable for contact with food that can be used with all types of foodstuff and in a wide range of professional fields, from the food processing industry to large-scale restaurant kitchens; from canteens and collective catering to food departments in large-scale retail..

Nowadays, the majority of professional Italian chefs use gloves from the YICHANG Food line in their daily activities. A goal that is the result of the partnership created between the F.I.C. and YICHANG five years ago.

One that will continue in search of ever-safer solutions in the constantly evolving food sector.