How To Avoid Cross Contamination In The Kitchen

When bacteria is spread by people, cleaning equipment and food, cross-contamination can occur. People spend more time indoors than outside and that increases the opportunity for bacteria to transfer around the home.

Illness and disease is lessened when proper cleaning methods are used, but cleaning properly is actually a detailed process.  Think about all of the place’s bacteria can grow that can be overlooked when cleaning your home.  Keyboards, door handles, phones, refrigerator handles, rags and a pet’s bowl can all make you sick if you don’t remember to clean them properly.

When cleaning around the house, one of the biggest mistakes made is to use the same sponge or cloth. This is one of the easiest ways to transfer bacteria from one spot to another. How then, do you get your home as clean as possible to prevent cross-contamination from occurring? 

Steps to avoid cross-contamination in your home:

1. Focus on cleaning places family members touch frequently.  Door handles, faucets, keyboards, light switches, window locks are all examples of easily overlooked cleaning spots.
2. Wash hands frequently and use a different rag or sponge when cleaning different rooms.  Throw out sponges often and wash rags in the washing machine.
3. When cleaning carpet, make sure to clean thoroughly. Throw out any buildup of dirt in the vacuum after each use.
4. Pay special attention to entranceways. This is a prime spot for tracking bacteria and other pollutants through the home.  Vacuum often, wash baseboards, mop floors, wipe down door handles and take off shoes whenever possible.
5. Micro-fiber dust cloths do a great job of grabbing dust.  Make sure after dusting to wash the rag for additional use.
6. Store cleaning supplies away from places that have a lot of traffic. You don’t want to reach for something near cleaning supplies since cleaning supplies will harbor bacteria from use.
7. Consider replacing an older vacuum with a HEPA filter vacuum which can capture particles due to multiple levels of filtration.
8. Minimize the use of a mop bucket and water which can spread contaminants around the floor. Consider a steam mop which kills bacteria with hot water and no cleaning solution.  When floors are done being mopped, you just throw the cloth from the mop head into the wash so it’s good as new for the next cleaning job.

Products For Cleaning Bacteria Off All Surfaces:

1. BEST OVERALL SPRAY: Lysol Disinfectant Spray
2. ANTI-BACTERIAL WIPES: Amazon Basics Disinfecting Wipes
3. ECO-FRIENDLY ANTI-BACTERIA SPRAY: Method Antibacterial All-Purpose Cleaner Spray

Here Are Some Common Foods That Are Particularly Vulnerable to Cross-Contamination:

• Raw meat, poultry, and seafood
• Unwashed produce, such as fruits and vegetables
• Raw eggs
• Unpasteurized dairy products
• Sprouts, such as alfalfa or bean sprouts
• Deli meats and cold cuts
• Leftovers that have been improperly stored or reheated

Foodborne Illness Symptoms and What to Look Out For:

Foodborne illness, also known as food poisoning, can cause a variety of symptoms, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, fever, and fatigue. These symptoms can range from mild to severe and may appear within a few hours to several days after consuming contaminated food. If you experience any of these symptoms after eating, it’s important to drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration and seek medical attention if your symptoms persist or worsen. It’s also important to practice good food safety habits, such as washing your hands, cooking food to the proper temperature, and properly storing and reheating leftovers, to help prevent foodborne illness.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cross Contamination:

1. What is cross contamination and why is it dangerous? Cross contamination occurs when harmful bacteria or other pathogens are transferred from one surface or food to another. This can happen during food preparation, storage, or serving, and can cause foodborne illness if the contaminated food is consumed.
2. How can I prevent cross contamination in my kitchen? Some key steps to prevent cross contamination include washing hands thoroughly and often, using separate cutting boards and utensils for different types of food, sanitizing surfaces and equipment regularly, and cooking food to the proper temperature.
3. What are some common sources of cross contamination? Common sources of cross contamination include raw meat, poultry, and seafood, as well as unwashed produce, contaminated equipment or utensils, and improper food handling practices.
4. What should I do if I suspect cross contamination has occurred? If you suspect cross contamination has occurred, it’s important to take immediate action to prevent the spread of harmful bacteria. This may include discarding any potentially contaminated food, cleaning and sanitizing all affected surfaces and equipment, and washing your hands thoroughly.