How to Avoid Cross-Contamination in the Kitchen

Have you ever heard of cross-contamination? As you may already know, this term is feared in the kitchen because when hygiene measures are not followed while preparing food, you can contract all kinds of gastrointestinal diseases. For example, it is common to get a stomach illness or even contract E. coli when eating at a street stall or a restaurant that does not have adequate cleaning measures, such as handwashing, disinfecting surfaces, or using gloves, so it is essential that you maintain excellent hygiene at home; here’s why! You can also read: Should chicken be washed before cooking?What is cross-contamination?Cross-contamination is “the transfer of microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, and parasites from raw or unclean foods to foods that are ready for human consumption,” according to Cofepris. It is essential to maintain excellent hygiene in the kitchen, as raw meats and other foods can contain bacteria that can cause serious illnesses. However, cross-contamination does not happen spontaneously, so here are the 3 ways it can occur. 1. Between foods Some raw or unclean foods contain bacteria that can cause all sorts of illnesses, so you should avoid mixing raw foods with those that are already clean and ready to eat. 2. From surfaces to foods Pay close attention when it comes to cutting boards, knives, cloths, and more. For example, if you chopped raw chicken on a board, you should wash and disinfect it thoroughly before using the same utensil to cut vegetables. 3. From your hands to the foods Remember to wash your hands with soap and water before touching food, as otherwise, you could cause cross-contamination. For example, if you touch raw meat or fish, you must wash your hands well before touching any fruit or vegetable to avoid any illness. You can also read: Should eggs be washed before cooking?5 ways to avoid cross-contamination in the kitchenNow that you know how cross-contamination can occur in your kitchen, it’s important to apply the following tips while cooking, as only then will you ensure the health of your entire family. 1. Wash your hands! Although it may seem obvious, it is essential to wash your hands with soap and water before entering the kitchen, as that is the only way to avoid contaminating food. 2. Keep everything separate Don’t forget to separate the utensils you use for cooking raw or unclean foods from clean products or foods ready to eat. For example, do not use the knife that you cut raw meat with to make a salad. 3. Keep a cloth handy If bacteria and dirt are your worst enemies, you probably already have a cloth in the kitchen that is used solely for cleaning. It is best to keep it in a solution of bleach and water. 4. Cleaning is key Once you finish cooking, you should wash and disinfect all utensils and surfaces that came into contact with raw foods. 5. Organize your refrigerator The worst thing you can do is mix all kinds of food in the refrigerator, so you should store chicken, meat, and fish in covered containers. So now you know, keep raw meats and unclean vegetables in separate compartments from other foods to avoid cross-contamination.6. Use CitroBiox®!There is no better way to prevent cross-contamination than to keep all surfaces and foods free of bacteria, which is very easy with this disinfectant, as it eliminates bacteria like salmonella in no time. Just follow these steps!Spray surfaces, utensils, or foods with CitroBiox®Wait 5 minutesWipe with a paper towel and you’re done!You can also read: 5 tricks to clean the cutting board properly