Cross Contamination

Cross Contamination is the transfer of bacteria from raw to ready to eat foods. Food poisoning is often caused when harmful bacteria on one food are spread via hands or kitchen utensils to cross-contaminate other foods. Good hygiene helps prevent this.

Keep raw foods separate from cooked and ready-to-eat food at all times. In particular keep raw meat, fish, poultry and other raw foods away from ready-to-eat foods such as salads, bread and sandwiches. Never put cooked food on a plate which has previously held raw foods until it has been thoroughly washed.

Ideally use separate chopping boards for raw and cooked foods.

Wash hands after handling raw foods and before touching other foods and utensils.