We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Culinary

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What is Cross Contamination?

By Felicia Dye
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 11,331
Share

Cross contamination is a term that refers to instances when microorganisms are transferred from one item to another. It is commonly used to refer to such a transfer between food items. This may be because cross contamination contributes greatly to the incidents of foodborne illnesses. Such a transfer is not truly limited to foods, however.

Living organisms commonly host bacteria that are natural to them. As a result, there is a risk presented by raw foods that come into contact with other foods. A common misconception about cross contamination and the associated foodborne illnesses is that the situation is limited to raw foods. The truth is that raw foods can also contaminate food that has already been fully prepared.

Cross contamination between raw and cooked foods may seem unlikely. There are, however, many instances when the two can come into contact. Salads and sushi present such a danger because they are often composed of raw and cooked items. Working with cooked and raw foods on the same surfaces also presents this danger.

Foods do not need to come into contact with one another for cross contamination to occur. If contaminated food is exposed to a surface, such as a counter top, other foods that are later exposed to that surface can become contaminated. The same holds true when implements, such as knives or bowls, are used for several foods without being washed.

Humans also perpetuate the problem. This is why so much effort is placed on encouraging people to wash their hands after trips to the restroom and immediately before handling food. Bacteria from contaminated foods can be transferred by way of a person's hands to other foods. Bacteria from other sources can also use the human body as a vehicle to contaminate foods.

Food poisoning is a common consequence of cross contamination. There are numerous symptoms that can be experienced by a person who has consumed contaminated foods. These include vomiting, diarrhea, and asthma. People can develop nutrient deficiencies and experience weight loss.

Preventing cross contamination is often stressed in commercial settings more than in domestic settings. Individuals can benefit from knowing how to keep themselves and their families safe, however. To begin with, hand washing should be strongly encouraged and practiced by everyone.

Sanitation also plays a major role in preventing the transfer of microorganisms. This means properly cleaning preparation areas and equipment after dealing with each type of food. Having numerous cutting boards that are used only for certain types of foods can be helpful. Proper storage is also essential. People should ensure that raw foods and cooked foods are stored separately and closed properly so that blood or juices are not exchanged.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
By anon114468 — On Sep 28, 2010

thanks. I needed this for a science project.

Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-is-cross-contamination.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.