Oregon Hand Ban Delayed

Courtesy: Dan Holtmeyer/Flickr

Chefs in Oregon are outraged that they have to stop using their hands, their bare hands that is.

A bare hand ban was going to go into effect on Sunday but restaurant owners and chefs managed to get the new law delayed by 60 days.  They argue the new state rule will make dining out more expensive, create waste and do little to protect public health.

The rule requires anyone who touches food to wear gloves, an idea that ticks off several Oregon restaurant owners.

“The idea that using rubber gloves is going to stop people from getting sick is ludicrous,” Andy Ricker, chef and owner of “Pok Pok” restaurants in Portland, told The Oregonian.

Steve Allen of “Jake’s Deli & Restaurant” agrees.

“You can’t deny that it’s an inconvenience.  Say you’re cutting meat, and there’s blood on the counter, and you accidentally touch it. With your hands, you can feel it. With gloves, you cannot.  It’s not really addressing the problem that they’re trying to address. Proper hand washing and education on hygiene is the proven way to stop bacteria and viruses.”

Allen is so mad about the law he’s gathered more than 200 signatures against it.

Sushi chef Bruce Lee may have the best argument.

“If you wear the glove, you’re not able to feel the rice tenderness, or softness,” he said.  “Even wasabi — you can feel how much you need with your fingers.  But if you wear the glove, you’re never going to feel it.  If I had a choice, I wouldn’t wear it.”

State officials plan on holding a hearing on the law before it goes into effect later in August.