cross contamination
noun
\ ˈkrȯs-kən-ˌta-mə-ˈnā-shən
\
\
variants:
or cross-contamination
Definition of cross contamination
: inadvertent transfer of bacteria or other contaminants from one surface, substance, etc., to another especially because of unsanitary handling procedures
With raw eggs, as with raw chickens, it is important to avoid cross contamination. Use separate utensils—bowls, forks, knives, counter tops, and cutting boards—for raw chickens or eggs, and clean them thoroughly before reusing them for cooked foods.— Phyllis C. Richman Jim Steinhoff, a sanitarian and food inspector for the La Crosse County Health Department, said cross-contamination is the cause of the recent nationwide salmonella outbreak with peanut butter products.— Terry Rindfleisch
Keep scrolling for more
Other Words from cross contamination
cross-contaminate
\ ˈkrȯs-kən-ˈta-mə-ˌnāt
\
transitive verb
cross-contaminated;
cross-contaminating
\
transitive verb
cross-contaminated;
cross-contaminating
"ARB [=antibiotic-resistant bacteria] are carried into the kitchen on contaminated meat and poultry, where other foods are cross-contaminated because of common unsafe handling practices."
— Jerome Groopman
There's an ongoing debate about whether wood or plastic is more bacteria-resistant. But more important than the material of your cutting board is how you clean it. Don't cross-contaminate it by using an old sponge or less-than-pristine dishtowel.
— Natural Health
Examples of cross contamination in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Vitality was founded by Roy Gilad and his wife, Tara, in San Ramon, Calif., when their daughter’s severe peanut allergy motivated them to create a business with a kitchen free of cross contamination. — Kelly Wei, Dallas News, "When did açai bowls become all the rage, and where should you go in D-FW to find them? Curious Texas explores," 9 Aug. 2019 Keep these raw items away from other foods in your fridge to avoid potential cross contamination. — Samantha Cassetty, NBC News, "How to keep your food safe no matter where you are," 9 Aug. 2019 To avoid cross contamination from real pork, Dunkin’ says the Beyond Meat sandwich will be cooked separately on individual pieces of paper. — Deena Shanker, BostonGlobe.com, "Dunkin’ is now selling a meat-alternative breakfast sandwich at some stores," 24 July 2019 To avoid cross contamination from real pork, Dunkin’ says the Beyond Meat sandwich will be cooked separately on individual pieces of paper. — Los Angeles Times, "Beyond Meat will offer a new Dunkin’ sandwich," 24 July 2019 To avoid cross contamination from real pork, Dunkin’ says the Beyond Meat sandwich will be cooked separately on individual pieces of paper. — Deena Shanker, Fortune, "Dunkin’ Dishes Up Beyond Meat Faux Breakfast Sausage," 24 July 2019 Critical health violations included improper employee washing of hands, improper cleaning and sanitizing of food preparation surfaces, and cross contamination between raw meats and other prepared foods, health officials said. — Kieran Nicholson, The Denver Post, "Red Robin in Westminster shut down after E. coli illness strikes adult, two children," 11 July 2019 Separate cooked from raw foods Avoid cross contamination by keeping all of your cooked and raw foods separated, both in the fridge, and on the counter. — NBC News, "Dr. Fernstrom: Food mistakes that could jeopardize your next summer BBQ," 21 June 2019 Load ice into separate gallon-size freezer bags to prevent cross contamination, freeing you up to make camp-side cocktails at will. — Sunset, "Road Trip Like a Chef," 22 Jan. 2018These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'cross contamination.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Keep scrolling for more