What is the difference between cross contamination and contamination?

Contamination refers to the introduction or presence of harmful or undesirable substances or microorganisms in a product or environment. Cross-contamination specifically refers to the transfer of these harmful substances or microorganisms from one source to another, often through direct contact or indirect means such as shared surfaces or equipment. While contamination can have various causes and occur unintentionally, cross-contamination generally implies a failure in hygiene or safety procedures, leading to the spread of contamination from one place or object to another.