Avoid Cross Contamination

Many food-borne illnesses are a result of unsanitary handling procedures in the kitchen. Cross contamination occurs when disease-causing elements or harmful substances are transferred from a contaminated surface to a heretofore uncontaminated one. To avoid cross contamination, adhere to the following practices.

Good personal hygiene is one of the best defenses against cross contamination. The employee who reports for work when he or she has a contagious illness or an infected cut on his or her hand puts every customer and other employees at risk. Any time your hands come in contact with a possible source of contamination, especially your face, hair, eyes, and mouth, they should be thoroughly washed before you continue work.