Cross-Contamination Prevention
Cross-contamination is one of the leading causes of foodborne illness. Follow these essential practices to keep your kitchen safe and your family healthy.
Hand Washing
Wash hands with warm, soapy water for at least 20 seconds
Steps:
- Wet hands with warm water
- Apply soap and lather for 20 seconds
- Scrub all surfaces including under nails
- Rinse thoroughly with warm water
- Dry with clean towel or air dry
When: Before and after handling food, after using bathroom, after touching pets
Cutting Board Safety
Use separate cutting boards for different food types with safe materials
Steps:
- Use bamboo or wood cutting boards (naturally antimicrobial)
- If using plastic, choose food-grade HDPE or PP materials only
- Use separate boards for raw meat, vegetables, fish, and dairy
- Replace plastic boards when scratched or worn
- Wash with hot, soapy water after each use
When: Clean immediately after use, sanitize weekly, replace when damaged
Surface Sanitization
Clean and sanitize all kitchen surfaces regularly
Steps:
- Remove visible debris with soap and water
- Apply sanitizing solution (1 tbsp bleach per gallon water)
- Let sit for 2 minutes
- Rinse with clean water
- Air dry or use clean towel
When: After each cooking session, daily for high-touch areas
Common Cross-Contamination Mistakes
Using the same cutting board for raw meat and vegetables
Bacteria from raw meat can contaminate vegetables
Use separate bamboo/wood cutting boards or wash thoroughly between uses
Not washing hands after handling raw meat
Bacteria can spread to other foods and surfaces
Always wash hands immediately after touching raw meat
Using damaged or scratched plastic cutting boards
Microplastics and chemicals can leach into food
Replace damaged plastic boards immediately, prefer bamboo or wood
Placing raw meat on top shelf of refrigerator
Drips can contaminate foods below
Store raw meat on bottom shelf in sealed containers
Using the same knife for raw and cooked foods
Cross-contamination between raw and cooked foods
Use separate knives or wash thoroughly between uses
Not cleaning kitchen towels regularly
Towels can harbor bacteria and spread contamination
Wash kitchen towels daily in hot water
Quick Reference Checklist
Before Cooking:
- Wash hands with soap and warm water
- Clean and sanitize work surfaces
- Use separate cutting boards for different foods
- Keep raw meat separate from other foods
After Cooking:
- Wash hands immediately
- Clean all utensils and cutting boards
- Sanitize kitchen surfaces
- Wash kitchen towels in hot water