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

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Other words from cross contamination

cross-contaminate \ˈkrȯs-kən-ˈta-mə-ˌnāt

\ 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

One of the ovens is exclusively for making gluten-free pizzas to prevent cross contamination. — Suzanne Baker, Naperville Sun, "Chefs on a mission to make Lisle 'the mecca of the pizza world' with new academy," 23 June 2018 Wash cutting boards and counters used for food preparation immediately after use to prevent cross contamination with other foods. — N'dea Yancey-bragg, USA TODAY, "Egg recall: What you need to know about salmonella," 15 Apr. 2018 Chick-fil-A recently rolled out a gluten-free bun that not only tastes great but is given to customers sealed, to prevent any cross contamination. — Troy L. Smith, cleveland.com, "Which is better: Texas Chain Saw Massacre or The Thing?," 11 Oct. 2017 Change Your Pillowcases Unwashed sheets and pillowcases lead to cross contamination which leads to pimples. — Christa Joanna Lee, Teen Vogue, "How To Get Rid of Acne: 20 Tips for Clear Skin," 7 Sep. 2017 No duking it out with Jo-Ann from Accounting who needs to heat up her salmon, 'like, right now,' and no cross contamination of smells from thousands of past lunches. — Samantha Gordon, USA TODAY, "This portable Crock-Pot lets you enjoy a hot meal without a microwave—and it's only $15 right now," 6 Sep. 2017

These 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.