Risteäkontaminaation

Risteäkontaminaation, a Finnish term, translates to cross-contamination in English. It refers to the transfer of bacteria or other microorganisms from one food to another. This can occur through various means, such as when raw meat juices drip onto cooked food, or when utensils or surfaces used for preparing raw ingredients are not properly cleaned before being used for cooked or ready-to-eat foods.

Preventing cross-contamination is a fundamental principle of food safety. Key practices include separating raw and cooked foods during storage and preparation, using different cutting boards and utensils for raw meats and produce, and thoroughly cleaning and sanitizing all surfaces and equipment after each use. Proper handwashing is also crucial to avoid transferring contaminants from hands to food.

Understanding and implementing measures to prevent risteäkontaminaation is essential in both domestic kitchens and commercial food establishments to safeguard public health and prevent foodborne illnesses.