How to avoid cross-contamination with seafood

The fish and seafood are some of the most popular ingredients in kitchens around the world, as who could resist enjoying a shrimp broth, garlic shrimp, a cod in Basque style, or fish wrapped in paper. However, cooking with seafood can be intimidating for some people, as you may know, they can contain bacteria like salmonella or listeria, but don't worry, here we will tell you how to prevent cross-contamination and how to take care of your health while cooking seafood, take note! You can also read: How to prevent cross-contamination in the kitchenWhat is cross-contamination? The Cofepris explains that cross-contamination is “the transfer of microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, and parasites, from raw or uncleaned food to food that is ready for human consumption.” As we mentioned in a published article in September 2022, it is imperative to maintain good hygiene in the kitchen, as seafood, raw meats, and other foods can contain bacteria that harm health. However, cross-contamination does not happen spontaneously, so we explain the 3 ways it can occur: 1. Between foods Some raw or uncleaned foods contain bacteria that cause all kinds of diseases, so you should avoid mixing raw foods with those that are already clean and ready to eat. 2. From surfaces to food Pay close attention when it comes to cutting boards, knives, cloths, and more. For example, if you chopped raw chicken on a board, you must wash and disinfect it very well before using the same utensil to cut vegetables. 3. From your hands to the food Remember to wash your hands with soap and water before touching the food, as otherwise, you could cause cross-contamination. For example, if you touch raw meat or fish, you must wash your hands very well before touching any fruit or vegetable to avoid any illness. You can also read: How to clean shrimp?How does cross-contamination occur in seafood? The British Columbia Center for Disease Control explains that, in the case of seafood, cross-contamination can occur due to the following factors: 1. Mixing raw seafood with other cooked ones. 2. The utensils you used for cooking were contaminated. 3. The people handling the seafood do not take precautions. 4. The environment in which the seafood was kept.  Seafood: How to prevent cross-contamination If you love garlic mojo fish, ceviches, grilled fish, breaded fillets, governor tacos, shrimp broth, and other delicious seafood dishes, before you start cooking, it is essential to pay close attention to hygiene, as this is the only way to avoid cross-contamination in your kitchen, take note! 1. Buy fresh products When it comes to preventing cross-contamination in the kitchen, the freshness of the seafood is essential, so make sure that the fish, shrimp, fillet, surimi, and other products are 100% fresh and in good condition. 2. Separate the seafood When you get home, refrigerate the seafood and keep it at 0 °C to maintain its quality, but be careful that they are well packaged, as if the juices from raw shrimp soak other foods, cross-contamination could occur.  3. Clean everything! If you are sharpening the knife to clean shrimp and fish, you must first ensure that the kitchen surface, cutting board, knives, and even cloths are clean. To avoid cross-contamination, experts suggest using different utensils if you are cooking with raw and cooked products.  4. Cook at the right temperature Experts recommend cooking seafood at a minimum temperature of 63 °C for at least 15 seconds, as this way you will eliminate any bacteria or organisms present in the food.  5. Wash your hands! It may seem obvious, but it is important to reiterate the importance of washing your hands, especially if you are going to prepare a refreshing ceviche or breaded fillets.  Now that you know how to prevent cross-contamination when handling seafood, feel encouraged to prepare delicious dishes with shrimp, fish, salmon, clams, and more, we have the best options for you at Kiwilimon! You can also read: The benefits of eating seafood