cross contamination

noun

ˈkrȯs-kən-ˌta-mə-ˈnā-shən 

variants or 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

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

Properly handling eggs—including avoiding cross contamination of any raw products with other foods—and cooking them at least until the yolks and whites are firm will further reduce any risk of infection. —Alice Park, TIME, 5 Apr. 2024

When rinsing chicken, bacteria such as salmonella can be transferred via the water to your kitchen surfaces, leading to potential cross contamination of other ingredients. —Casey Barber, CNN, 13 Feb. 2024

This presents a significant risk of cross contamination, especially when there are heavy rains and floods. —Jeffrey Moyo, New York Times, 13 Feb. 2024

Corrective Actions: Store utensils in a manner to prevent cross contamination. —Harriet Ramos, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 Jan. 2024

The smaller trays are color-coded to prevent cross contamination, and the dishwasher-safe set nests together for compact storage. —Phoebe Sklansky, Parents, 7 June 2023

Experts recommend individuals pay close attention to cross contamination of meat products and thoroughly wash surfaces in order to avoid foodborne illnesses. —Rebecca Jaspan, Mph, Rd, Cdn, Cdces, Health, 6 Apr. 2023

Place meat and poultry to one side of the freezer or on a tray to prevent cross contamination from thawing juices. —Dallas News, 30 Jan. 2023

One worry that often comes with prepping raw meat — especially a big bird like turkey — is cross contamination. —Morgan Hines, USA TODAY, 23 Nov. 2022

Word History

First Known Use

1898, in the meaning defined above