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Separate- Don't Cross-contaminate
Separate- Don't Cross-contaminate
Now that we know the harmful effects that can occur from cross-contamination, what can we do about it? Our main goal is to separate. Separate means “to keep apart.” The simple task of keeping foods apart can help prevent cross-contamination of foods. Just one small mistake can lead to several days of illness.
Steps to Prevent Cross-contamination
Steps to Prevent Cross-contamination
When refrigerating food:
When refrigerating food:
Place raw meat, poultry, and seafood in sealed containers to prevent juices from leaking.
Store all raw meat products on the bottom shelf of the refrigerator to prevent juices from contaminating other foods.
When grocery shopping:
When grocery shopping:
Separate raw meats, poultry, and seafood from other food in the shopping cart.
Place raw meat products in separate plastic bags from other food.
While preparing food:
While preparing food:
Keep hands and work area surfaces clean and sanitized.
Wash hands with soap and hot water before and after handling any food or touching any other contaminated food contact sources.
Wear clean clothing.
Clean up spills immediately with hot, soapy water and paper towels.
Wash cutting boards, dishes and counter tops with hot soapy water before and after each use.
When using cutting boards:
When using cutting boards:
Always use a clean cutting board.
Use one cutting board for fresh produce and a separate one for raw meat products.
Replace cutting boards that have become worn and have developed hard-to-clean grooves.
When marinating foods:
When marinating foods:
Marinate in the refrigerator, never on the counter.
Never use marinade from raw meat products on cooked foods.
When serving foods:
When serving foods:
Never put cooked food onto a plate that previously held uncooked food.
When storing leftovers:
When storing leftovers:
Store in clean covered containers to prevent bacterial growth.
Refrigerate or freeze leftovers within 2 hours.
Cross-contamination Can Happen in an Instant
Cross-contamination Can Happen in an Instant
How does cross-contamination happen? Watch this video by Foodsafety.gov to see it in action.
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