Avoiding cross-contamination is the final operation in the battle against food germs in your kitchen.
Germs must not be allowed to spread around your kitchen and invade food that is ready to eat. This is one of the major causes of food poisoning.
Help Stop Food Poisoning
But here are a few simple things you can do to help stop it happening:
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keep raw meat separate from ready-to-eat food
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do not let raw meat drip onto other food – keep it in sealed containers at the bottom of your fridge
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never use the same chopping board for raw meat and ready-to-eat food without washing the board (and knife) thoroughly in between
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do not wash meat before cooking it. Washing does not get rid of harmful germs – only proper cooking will. You also run the risk of splashing germs onto worktops and utensils
The Food Standards Agency's GermWatch campaign, with its star character Grubeye, highlights the importance of food safety and hygiene in the home and promotes the 4 Cs.
