Nearly 200 food service establishments in town are now operating without one product: Latex gloves.

Under a bylaw recently passed by the Board of Health, workers are prohibited from using gloves made of latex, a common allergen. Bellingham is believed to be the first community in the state to enact such a bylaw.

Board of Health Chairman Vincent Forte Jr., said latex allergies affect a "significant population."

The bylaw, which passed unanimously at a June 24 meeting, was modeled after a drafted state law, which is currently being considered by the Legislature.

Board of Health member Guy Fleuette said about 175 vendors in town are affected by the change. Though the board advertised the public hearing, the bylaw passed without any discussion or attendance at the meeting.