What is cross contamination?

Answer 1

Cross-contamination in food preparation is a serious concern, particularly in restaurants and other commercial kitchens. Many foods (uncooked meats, poultry, fish, etc) may be contaminated by microorganisms, bacteria, etc. Cross-contamination is when these contaminants transfer from that food item to another object (your hands, cutting board, knife, etc). It can also refer to when contaminants on an object or person are transferred to food items (ie, someone who is ill doesn't wash their hands before preparing food). Cross-contamination can result in food-borne illnesses which can be quite serious. To prevent cross-contamination, follow these steps: Wash hands thoroughly with hot water and soap before handling food items. If handling raw or undercooked meat, poulty, fish, eggs, etc., also wash hands after handling such items. Use separate or disposable wipes/sponges for cleaning surfaces in between preparation stages. Contaminants can live in sponges and dishclothes. Thoroughly wash any prep items (cutting boards, knives, mixing bowls) in between prep stages. A solution of one tbsp. chlorine bleach to 1 gallon of water may be used to decontaminate counter surfaces/floors/ cabinetry if desired. Decontaminate sponges by soaking them in bleach solutions for 2-3 hours, or by microwaving them. Discard sponges after 6 months or so. Be sure to wash dishclothes and aprons regularly. Keep raw and cooked items separate to avoid contaminating the cooked items (cooking kills most common contaminants). Keep raw meats, poultry, fish, etc, on the bottom shelf of your fridge to prevent leaks from contaminating other items. Many grocery stores now even have plastic bags available in the meat sections in order to protect other items in your shopping cart. Use separate cooking utensils for raw and cooked items. Do not serve cooked food with the utensils used in cooking or prep. Never place cooked food back on the same plate or cutting board that previously held raw items unless you have washed the surface thoroughly! Sauce that is used to marinate raw meat, poultry, fish, etc, should not be served on cooked food unless the sauce is thoroughly cooked (preferably boiled) first.

Cross Contamination is the term used to describe the transfer of bacteria from a source to a high risk food, eg. cooked meat products, dairy products, egg dishes etc (High protein foods).Sources of food poisoning bacteria are raw foods such as raw meat and poultry, humans, insects, animals and birds, rodents, dust, refuse and waste food.
Cross contamination is when a contaminated food (such as raw meat) contaminates a non contaminated food, via coming in contact with each other. eg. using the same chopping board for both vegetables and uncooked chicken.
its where say raw chicken touches pepper or something it will cross contaminate causing bad bacteria which is harmful
noun: cross-contamination

1. the process by which bacteria or other microorganisms are unintentionally transferred from one substance or object to another, with harmful effe

Answer 2

This is the process by which microorganisms like bacteria are transferred from one substance to another, often unintentionally as in unsafe food preparation.