What is cross-contamination?

Cross-contamination refers specifically to the transfer of harmful bacteria, allergens, or pathogens from one food or surface to another. This can occur during various stages of food preparation, such as using the same cutting board for raw meat and fresh vegetables without proper cleaning in between. The significance of understanding cross-contamination lies in its impact on food safety; it can lead to foodborne illnesses if appropriate measures are not taken.

For example, if raw chicken is prepared on a cutting board and then vegetables are placed on the same board without cleaning it in between, the harmful bacteria from the chicken can transfer to the vegetables, posing a risk to anyone consuming them. Therefore, preventing cross-contamination is vital in maintaining food safety standards and protecting public health.