Tips to Prevent Cross-Contamination

Some tips to prevent cross-contamination are listed below:

• Cover foods as much as possible
• Store raw meats separate from ready-to-eat foods
• Store raw meat, poultry and seafood on the bottom shelf of the refrigerator so juices do not drip onto other foods
• Wash hands after handling raw meats, eggs or vegetables
• Designate separate cutting boards for raw meats or clean and sanitize cutting boards between uses for different foods
• Clean and sanitize knives between uses on different foods and place only sanitized knives back in their racks
• Sanitize any utensil, equipment or food contact surface after it has been in contact with raw foods, especially meat or eggs
• Never move boxes or containers that may have been stored on the floor onto countertops
• Do not peel vegetables on the top of the garbage
• Wash cutting boards thoroughly in hot, soapy water after each use or place in dishwasher
• Discard old cutting boards that have cracks, crevices and excessive knife scars
• Wash plates between uses or use separate plates. Use one for holding raw meat, poultry and seafood and another for cooked foods
• Place washed produce into clean storage containers and not back into the original ones
• Use one utensil to taste and another to stir or mix food
• Make sure you use clean scissors or blades to open bags of food
• Wear latex gloves if you have a sore or cut on your hand

For more information on safe food handling, contact your local Public Health Inspector at the Health Unit.