FAQ's
Does the FDA or USDA officially certify gloves?
No. Neither the FDA nor the USDA officially "certifies" gloves for entry into the United States. What the FDA does require, however, is for manufacturers of all examination (medical grade) gloves to have 510(k) device listings on file with the agency. This means that the manufacturer has been tested and approved to manufacture gloves for medical use (typically involves ISO certification, as well). This does not mean that the gloves themselves have been officially approved or certified for medical use. The FDA conducts random testing on containers of examination gloves as they enter the U.S.
Similarly, the USDA does not "officially certify" any disposable gloves as they enter U.S. ports. The USDA provides strict guidelines for the manufacture, storage and transport of gloves, and makes it incumbent upon the manufacturers and distributors to maintain the integrity of the goods. The USDA allows manufacturers and importers to list their goods as "accepted" (but not "approved") for foodservice use as long as the goods comply with their guidelines.
While no manufacturer can market exam or industrial gloves as FDA or USDA "approved" or "certified", KingSeal disposable gloves do meet or exceed all USDA and ASTM standards. Our factories, moreover, are all ISO and CE certified to comply with international standards of quality and excellence.
What is the difference between latex and vinyl gloves?
Latex gloves are manufactured from natural rubber latex derived from the sap of the rubber tree, Hevea brasiliensis. Because of the inherent elasticity of latex, the fit is more conforming and comfortable. However, natural rubber latex also contains proteins to which some users may be sensitive. While most allergies or sensitivities are generally slight, a very small percentage of users may experience severe reactions.
Vinyl gloves are manufactured from polyvinyl chloride, a petroleum-based compound. While not quite as form-fitting as latex gloves, they contain no proteins to irritate the skin. They also possess increased resistance to certain cleaning compounds and chemicals. Vinyl gloves are the preferred choice for users sensitive to latex.
While latex and vinyl both provide excellent barrier protection, latex is recognized as having superior barrier qualities. Some people still prefer the fit and form of latex, especially in applications where comfort and tactile sensitivity are paramount.
Why choose powder-free gloves?
Powdered gloves are used by the majority of users, accounting for nearly 70% of total glove usage. The corn starch powder makes the gloves easier to wear, and they are generally less expensive than powder-free gloves. However, the popularity of powder-free gloves has grown every year due to the increased awareness of latex allergies and the preference for a latex glove with a low-protein count. KingSeal gloves are washed in a chlorine solution, which lowers their latex protein levels and reduces the likelihood of latex sensitivity. Powder-free gloves, whether they are latex or vinyl, are also preferred for use in specific environments that cannot be contaminated with powder (e.g., electronic assembly plants, laboratories, crime labs, etc.).
What is the difference between exam and general purpose?
As mentioned, exam or medical-grade gloves must meet a series of FDA regulations in order to be marketed as exam grade. General purpose gloves are, in fact, exam grade gloves that did not pass FDA mandated quality control tests. While no one intentionally manufactures a general purpose glove, KingSeal gloves are manufactured as medical grade gloves, yet do undergo the final steps of the FDA testing process. This gives KingSeal gloves a near-exam level of quality.
Are GloveSource's products USDA approved?
All of our products are manufactured of USDA accepted materials, from gloves to bouffant caps. It is important to note, however, that the USDA does not officially "approve" or "certify" disposables for entry into the United States. Instead, the USDA has established guidelines that govern the materials, manufacturing, and distribution of goods used in foodservice. All of our products meet or exceed these guidelines.
Where do your products come from?
All our goods are imported from various parts of Asia. Very few glove manufacturers maintain production facilities in the United States. Our disposable gloves are imported from Indonesia, Malaysia, China, and Thailand. We also import products from other countries such as South Korea.
What if I need something I can't find on your website?
Please contact us and we will help track down the items for you! We will do our best to help you find the products you need, whether purchase them from us or from a competitor. Over the years, we have been able to provide many products for our distributor customers that are found outside our general product mix. Please send in a request.
No. Neither the FDA nor the USDA officially "certifies" gloves for entry into the United States. What the FDA does require, however, is for manufacturers of all examination (medical grade) gloves to have 510(k) device listings on file with the agency. This means that the manufacturer has been tested and approved to manufacture gloves for medical use (typically involves ISO certification, as well). This does not mean that the gloves themselves have been officially approved or certified for medical use. The FDA conducts random testing on containers of examination gloves as they enter the U.S.
Similarly, the USDA does not "officially certify" any disposable gloves as they enter U.S. ports. The USDA provides strict guidelines for the manufacture, storage and transport of gloves, and makes it incumbent upon the manufacturers and distributors to maintain the integrity of the goods. The USDA allows manufacturers and importers to list their goods as "accepted" (but not "approved") for foodservice use as long as the goods comply with their guidelines.
While no manufacturer can market exam or industrial gloves as FDA or USDA "approved" or "certified", KingSeal disposable gloves do meet or exceed all USDA and ASTM standards. Our factories, moreover, are all ISO and CE certified to comply with international standards of quality and excellence.
What is the difference between latex and vinyl gloves?
Latex gloves are manufactured from natural rubber latex derived from the sap of the rubber tree, Hevea brasiliensis. Because of the inherent elasticity of latex, the fit is more conforming and comfortable. However, natural rubber latex also contains proteins to which some users may be sensitive. While most allergies or sensitivities are generally slight, a very small percentage of users may experience severe reactions.
Vinyl gloves are manufactured from polyvinyl chloride, a petroleum-based compound. While not quite as form-fitting as latex gloves, they contain no proteins to irritate the skin. They also possess increased resistance to certain cleaning compounds and chemicals. Vinyl gloves are the preferred choice for users sensitive to latex.
While latex and vinyl both provide excellent barrier protection, latex is recognized as having superior barrier qualities. Some people still prefer the fit and form of latex, especially in applications where comfort and tactile sensitivity are paramount.
Why choose powder-free gloves?
Powdered gloves are used by the majority of users, accounting for nearly 70% of total glove usage. The corn starch powder makes the gloves easier to wear, and they are generally less expensive than powder-free gloves. However, the popularity of powder-free gloves has grown every year due to the increased awareness of latex allergies and the preference for a latex glove with a low-protein count. KingSeal gloves are washed in a chlorine solution, which lowers their latex protein levels and reduces the likelihood of latex sensitivity. Powder-free gloves, whether they are latex or vinyl, are also preferred for use in specific environments that cannot be contaminated with powder (e.g., electronic assembly plants, laboratories, crime labs, etc.).
What is the difference between exam and general purpose?
As mentioned, exam or medical-grade gloves must meet a series of FDA regulations in order to be marketed as exam grade. General purpose gloves are, in fact, exam grade gloves that did not pass FDA mandated quality control tests. While no one intentionally manufactures a general purpose glove, KingSeal gloves are manufactured as medical grade gloves, yet do undergo the final steps of the FDA testing process. This gives KingSeal gloves a near-exam level of quality.
Are GloveSource's products USDA approved?
All of our products are manufactured of USDA accepted materials, from gloves to bouffant caps. It is important to note, however, that the USDA does not officially "approve" or "certify" disposables for entry into the United States. Instead, the USDA has established guidelines that govern the materials, manufacturing, and distribution of goods used in foodservice. All of our products meet or exceed these guidelines.
Where do your products come from?
All our goods are imported from various parts of Asia. Very few glove manufacturers maintain production facilities in the United States. Our disposable gloves are imported from Indonesia, Malaysia, China, and Thailand. We also import products from other countries such as South Korea.
What if I need something I can't find on your website?
Please contact us and we will help track down the items for you! We will do our best to help you find the products you need, whether purchase them from us or from a competitor. Over the years, we have been able to provide many products for our distributor customers that are found outside our general product mix. Please send in a request.