What is the definition of cross-contamination?

Cross-contamination refers to the transfer of pathogens from one food to another, which can happen through direct contact or indirectly through utensils, cutting boards, or surfaces that have been contaminated. This is particularly crucial in food safety, as it can lead to foodborne illnesses if harmful bacteria or viruses from raw or contaminated food are inadvertently transferred to ready-to-eat foods.

Understanding cross-contamination is vital for food managers and workers in the food service industry, as it highlights the importance of proper food handling procedures, such as using separate cutting boards for raw and cooked foods, ensuring thorough cleaning of utensils between uses, and maintaining proper storage practices to prevent the mixing of contaminated and uncontaminated items. This ensures the safety and health of consumers by minimizing the risk of infections caused by harmful microorganisms.