Preventing cross-contamination

Cross-contamination in the commercial kitchen involves the transfer of harmful microorganisms from one surface or substance to another. Cross-contamination can adversely affect any commercial kitchen, so it is important to take steps to avoid it: make sure to store and prepare foods separately, maintain proper personal hygiene, and correctly clean and sanitize kitchen equipment and supplies. Implementing these behaviors ensures a safer and more sanitary restaurant environment.

Store and prepare foods separately

Storing foods

• Store and refrigerate raw foods separately from ready-to-eat foods.
• Keep raw meats in well-sealed containers.
• Store raw foods on shelves below ready-to-eat foods to minimize contamination.

Preparing foods

• Prepare foods on clean, separate surfaces to minimize the spread of germs.
• Utilize clean cutting boards as safe surfaces for preparing foods.
• If possible, designate individual cutting boards for different types of foods. 

Maintain proper personal hygiene

Wash hands properly

• Ensure that hands are washed properly before touching food in any way.
• Wash hands before and after handling raw foods.

Look after personal hygiene

• Keep clothes, hair and other personal items away from food preparation areas.
• Take extra care when coping with personal illness, i.e., sneezing and coughing.

Clean and sanitize

Clean between jobs

• Use hot, soapy water to clean all supplies, equipment, utensils, and surface.
• Avoid using the same dish or utensil to handle both raw and cooked foods.

Sanitize properly

• Sanitization provides an extra defense against the transfer of germs and allergens.
• Mix 1 capful of unscented bleach per one gallon of water to create a sanitizing agent for most all supplies, equipment, utensils and surfaces. 

Highlights

• Cross-contamination involves the transfer of harmful microorganisms.
• Minimize the spread of germs by storing and preparing foods properly.
• Good personal hygiene is important.
• Prevent the transfer of germs and allergens by thoroughly cleaning and sanitizing.