Food Safety & Regulation

Cross-contamination

The transfer of harmful microbes from one food or surface to another, often through hands, knives, or cutting boards.

Real-life application

Cutting raw chicken and then salad on the same board without washing it in between is a classic cross-contamination mistake.

Related terms

The presence of anything harmful or unwanted in food — this could be microbes, chemicals, or physical objects like hair or glass.

Baseline requirements for premises, equipment, personnel and processes to ensure food is consistently produced safely.

Practise the subject behind the definition.