What is cross contamination and what tools do you use in the kitchen to avoid it?

Cross Contamination: The Silent Kitchen Enemy

Cross contamination is the transfer of harmful bacteria from one food to another, usually through direct contact or shared tools. This can happen when you:

* Prepare raw meat, poultry, or seafood and then use the same knife, cutting board, or utensils for other foods without cleaning them thoroughly.

* Touch raw food and then handle cooked food without washing your hands.

* Store cooked food near raw food in the refrigerator, allowing bacteria to drip or spread.

This can lead to foodborne illnesses, making people sick with symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, and fever.

Tools for Avoiding Cross Contamination:

Here are some essential tools to combat cross contamination in your kitchen:

1. Separate Cutting Boards:

* Dedicated cutting boards: Have separate boards for raw meat, poultry, and seafood, and another for fruits, vegetables, and cooked foods.

* Color-coded boards: This can help you easily identify which board is for which type of food.

2. Cleaning Supplies:

* Dish soap and hot water: Wash all tools, utensils, and surfaces that have come in contact with raw food thoroughly.

* Sanitizer: Use a food-safe sanitizer to disinfect surfaces after cleaning.

3. Storage Tools:

* Separate containers: Keep raw meat, poultry, and seafood in separate containers to prevent juices from dripping onto other foods in the refrigerator.

* Airtight containers: Store cooked foods in airtight containers to prevent bacteria from entering.

* Food wrap: Use food wrap to cover raw meat, poultry, and seafood in the refrigerator.

4. Personal Hygiene:

* Handwashing: Always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds before and after handling food, especially raw meat, poultry, and seafood.

* Clean aprons and clothing: Wear a clean apron while cooking and avoid touching your face or hair while preparing food.

5. Other Helpful Tools:

* Kitchen thermometer: Use a kitchen thermometer to ensure that meat, poultry, and seafood are cooked to safe internal temperatures.

* Disposable gloves: Consider using disposable gloves when handling raw meat, poultry, and seafood.

By using these tools and practicing good kitchen hygiene, you can significantly reduce the risk of cross contamination and keep your food safe.