What are the top 5 methods for preventing cross-contamination in your kitchen?

1 Wash your hands

One of the simplest and most effective ways to prevent cross-contamination is to wash your hands thoroughly and frequently. You should wash your hands before, during, and after handling any food, especially raw meat, poultry, seafood, eggs, or dairy products. You should also wash your hands after touching your face, hair, nose, mouth, or any other source of germs. Use warm water and soap, and scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds. Dry your hands with a clean towel or paper towel.

2 Use separate cutting boards

Another important method to prevent cross-contamination is to use separate cutting boards for different types of food. You should have at least two cutting boards: one for raw meat, poultry, seafood, and eggs, and another for ready-to-eat foods, such as fruits, vegetables, bread, cheese, or cooked foods. This way, you can avoid transferring juices, bacteria, or allergens from raw foods to cooked or fresh foods. You should also wash your cutting boards with hot water and soap after each use, and replace them when they become worn or cracked.

5 Clean and sanitize your kitchen

A fifth method to prevent cross-contamination is to clean and sanitize your kitchen regularly. You should wipe down your countertops, sinks, faucets, appliances, utensils, dishes, and any other surfaces that come in contact with food with hot water and soap. You should also use a bleach solution or a commercial sanitizer to disinfect your kitchen surfaces, especially after handling raw foods. You should also change your dishcloths, sponges, and towels frequently, and wash them in hot water. You should also dispose of any spoiled or expired food, and empty your trash can often.