Cross-contamination occurs when bacteria from one item are transferred to another, allowing for the spread of harmful germs. It is important to reduce cross-contamination as much as possible to reduce the likelihood of customers getting sick or even dying from a foodborne illness like E. coli. There are many simple yet effective steps that your staff can take, such as frequently washing hands and sanitizing equipment and counters, to avoid cross-contamination.
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What Is Cross-Contamination and Why Is It Important to Prevent It?
Cross-contamination is exactly what it sounds like – the transfer of bacteria (or other microorganisms) from one item to another. It can happen at any stage of food production or preparation.
Bacterial contamination is something that we should all be concerned about for several reasons. While a person might not get sick every time that cross-contamination occurs, even mild side effects – like upset stomach, loss of appetite, nausea, headache, and diarrhea – can be challenging. In more severe cases, a person might suffer from symptoms like fever, dehydration, bloody stools, long-lasting diarrhea, organ failure, and even death for higher-risk populations. People who are at higher risk of becoming seriously ill from food-borne illnesses include children under the age of 5, people over the age of 65, anyone with a weakened immune system, and pregnant people.
Given the potential risks associated with cross-contamination, it is important for every restaurant and food service business to take steps to minimize the danger to customers. Below, we outline the best ways to prevent cross-contamination in your restaurant.
Types Of Cross-Contamination
Food-To-Food Contamination
Equipment-To-Food Contamination
People-To-Food Contamination
Best Ways to Avoid Cross-Contamination in the Kitchen
As a business, there are many other steps that you can take to reduce the likelihood of cross-contamination.
Preventing Cross-Contamination When Shopping
- Do not purchase food close to its expiration date unless you intend to prepare it immediately
- Separate your raw meat, poultry, and seafood from other foods
Preventing Cross-Contamination When Refrigerating Foods
- Store raw meat in sealed containers or plastic bags on the bottom shelf of a refrigerator to avoid leaks dripping onto other foods
- Use refrigerated food within 2 to 3 days, and cook it to proper temperatures
- Refrigate eggs as soon as possible and store them in their original carton
Preventing Cross-Contamination When Preparing Foods
Cutting Boards
- Wash and sanitize all utensils, cutting boards, storage containers, and other kitchen equipment
- Use separate cutting boards for meat and produce
Employee & Surface Sanitation
- Wash hands with soap and water regularly, including after touching raw meat or eggs, using the bathroom, coughing or sneezing, touching garbage, or using your phone
- Thoroughly clean food preparation surfaces with a disinfectant
- Change out dishcloths and kitchen towels regularly
- Use gloves when handling raw food
- Set a policy of employees staying home when sick
Meal Production
- Maintain safe temperatures while thawing frozen ingredients
- Wash produce thoroughly
- Cook foods to the proper temperature
- Do not leave cooked food at room temperature for more than 2 hours
- Marinate food in a refrigerator as opposed to marinating on the counter
- Use separate marination sauces for raw meat and seafood
Preventing Cross-Contamination When Serving Foods
- Plate food on dishware that has been thoroughly washed and sanitized
- Do not plate cooked food on plates that previously held raw food
Employee Training Is Key
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Based in Michigan, Budget Branders works with restaurants, food trucks, coffee shops, and cafes across the United States. We offer the highest quality disposable products, including custom plastic cups, custom plastic stadium cups, custom coffee cups, custom coffee sleeves, custom ripple cups, custom soup bowls, custom ice cream bowls, custom sandwich bags, and more. All of our products are available in smaller quantities and are priced affordably to suit your budget.
If you’re considering using branded disposable products in your restaurant, we are happy to help. To learn more or to request a quote, contact us today by pressing the live chat button, or sending us a message online.