What is cross-contamination?

Cross-contamination occurs when harmful bacteria or allergens from one food item are transferred to another food item, often through direct contact. This can happen in various ways, such as when raw meat touches vegetables or when utensils used for one type of food come into contact with another, potentially leading to foodborne illness. Understanding cross-contamination is crucial in maintaining food safety, as it highlights the importance of separating different food types during preparation and storage to prevent health risks. This concept is foundational in safe food handling practices, emphasizing that safeguarding food hygiene requires vigilance in preventing the transfer of contaminants.