cross contamination

noun

ˈkrȯs-kən-ˌta-mə-ˈnā-shən 

variants or cross-contamination

: inadvertent transfer of bacteria or other contaminants from one surface, substance, etc., to another especially because of unsanitary handling procedures

With raw eggs, as with raw chickens, it is important to avoid cross contamination. Use separate utensils—bowls, forks, knives, counter tops, and cutting boards—for raw chickens or eggs, and clean them thoroughly before reusing them for cooked foods.

—Phyllis C. Richman

Jim Steinhoff, a sanitarian and food inspector for the La Crosse County Health Department, said cross-contamination is the cause of the recent nationwide salmonella outbreak with peanut butter products.

—Terry Rindfleisch

cross-contaminate

ˈkrȯs-kən-ˈta-mə-ˌnāt 

transitive verb

cross-contaminated; cross-contaminating

"ARB [=antibiotic-resistant bacteria] are carried into the kitchen on contaminated meat and poultry, where other foods are cross-contaminated because of common unsafe handling practices."

—Jerome Groopman

There's an ongoing debate about whether wood or plastic is more bacteria-resistant. But more important than the material of your cutting board is how you clean it. Don't cross-contaminate it by using an old sponge or less-than-pristine dishtowel.

—Natural Health

Examples of cross contamination in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Another rule of thumb is to keep raw meat and poultry away from other foods to minimize cross contamination. —Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 8 Dec. 2024

More From Newsweek Vault: Find Expert Guidance For Every Step Of Your Financial Journey A further internal review confirmed that cross contamination had happened, and the salmonella testing on the green onions had resulted in a false positive. —Dan Perry, Newsweek, 26 Nov. 2024

While cooking, avoid cross contamination by washing hands and surfaces frequently, especially after contact with raw meats and produce. —Alex Groth, Journal Sentinel, 17 Nov. 2024

Milk collection and pump mechanisms are kept separate to prevent cross contamination. —Kelsey Butler, Fortune, 4 Sep. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1898, in the meaning defined above