Food hygiene for businesses
Avoiding cross-contamination
Cross-contamination is when bacteria is spread between food, surfaces or equipment. It can cause food poisoning.
You should also avoid cross-contamination from food that contains allergens.
Raw meat, fish or poultry should be kept separate from:
- fruits and vegetables
- ready-to-eat foods like salads and cheese
Always wash your hands with soap and warm water between tasks. Especially before and after handling raw food.
For raw meat, fish or poultry use separate:
- chopping boards and utensils
- machinery and equipment (like vacuum packing machines, slicers and mincers) or thoroughly disinfect them between uses
- food preparation areas or thoroughly disinfect the area between use
- clothing and staff or encourage them to change and wash their hands between preparing different foods
- cleaning materials (like sponges, cloths and mops) in areas where these foods are handled