What is Cross-Contamination?
Cross-contamination occurs when harmful microorganisms (germs) spread to food.
How does cross-contamination happen?
Cross-contamination happens in three ways:
1. Food-to-Food
When raw meat or its juices comes in contact with ready-to-eat foods (i.e. deli meats, cheese, washed fruit, salad, cooked food).
2. Equipment-to-Food
When the same equipment is used with raw meat and ready-to-eat food without being cleaned and sanitized.
3. People-to-Food
When people touch raw meat and do not wash their hands before touching ready-to-eat food.
How can you prevent cross-contamination?
- Be sure to refrigerate right.
- Use separate cutting boards for raw meat and cooked or ready-to-eat foods.
- Always wash and sanitize all cooking and preparation equipment(i.e. cutting boards, knives, slicer equipment) after each use.
- Wash your hands before and after preparing food.