Cross contamination

New thinking on food hygiene

Scientific research suggests that methods traditionally used to control cross contamination are not as safe as previously thought. The Food Standards Agency has produced guidance which is based upon this research. The guidance states that the safest and most reliable way to prevent cross contamination from raw foods to ready-to-eat food is by introducing complete physical separation. This would mean having completely separate equipment, food preparation areas and storage.

This guidance is based upon the text of the latest version of the Food Standards Agency's CookSafe manual and has been produced to inform Food Business Operators (FBOs) of the ways in which they can help to keep their customers free from food poisoning. It also explains changes to the way in which food hygiene inspections will be carried out and how the current law will be enforced.

Cross contamination videos

• Effective Handwashing Technique
• Contamination
• Bad Handwashing Technique

Documents

• Information on preventing cross contamination in your food business
• Controlling the risk of cross-contamination from E.coli O157 - Questions and Answers
• E. COLI O157 - Guidance for food business operators and enforcement authorities