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Cross Contamination

Last Updated: June 30, 2011

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Cross Contamination

Cross contamination occurs when harmful bacteria are spread from one food item to another.

Food can also become contaminated from other sources such as:

  • counter tops
  • one’s hands
  • food processing equipment
  • utensils 
  • cutting boards

This practice is often responsible for outbreaks of food borne illnesses.

You should also be very careful when grocery shopping in not allowing raw foods to come in contact with foods that are ready to consume.

Also be careful when you place food in the refrigerator.

  • place raw foods on the bottom shelf
  • place foods with liquid in an air tight container
  • keep ready to eat foods away form raw meats

 

Resources

For more information on how cross contamination occurs please visit the following sources:

Be Smart. Keep Foods Apart. Don't Cross-Contaminate

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