Separate—Combat Cross-Contamination
 Get
it straight—it's safe to separate!
Did you know that improper handling of raw meat, poultry, and seafood
can create an inviting environment for cross-contamination? As a result,
bacteria, that yucky germ known as BAC!, can spread to food and throughout
the kitchen.
Learn more about preventing cross-contamination by using this helpful
chart, and remember to spread the word—not the bacteria!
Separate—Don't Cross-Contaminate
Keep it Clean!
 Lather
Up
Always wash hands, cutting boards, dishes, and utensils with hot, soapy
water after they come in contact with raw meat, poultry, and seafood.
 Take
Two
If possible, use one cutting board for fresh produce and use a separate
one for raw meat, poultry, and seafood.
Clean Your Plate
Never place cooked food back on the same plate or cutting board that
previously held raw food.
Watch those Juices!
 Safely
Separate
Separate raw meat, poultry, and seafood from other foods in your grocery
shopping cart and in your refrigerator.
Seal It
To prevent juices from raw meat, poultry, or seafood from dripping onto
other foods in the refrigerator, place these raw foods in sealed containers
or plastic bags.
 Marinating Mandate
Sauce that is used to marinate raw meat, poultry, or seafood should not
be used on cooked foods, unless it is boiled before applying.
If you have questions or concerns about food safety, contact:
- The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Meat and Poultry Hotline
at (800) 535-4555 or (202) 720-3333 (Washington, DC area). The TTY number
for the hearing impaired is (800) 256-7072.
- The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Food Information Line
at (888) SAFE FOOD.
- The Fight BAC!TM Web site at: www.fightbac.org
SM International
Food Safety Council
* Distributed May 2002 for use in September 2002 as
part of the International Food Safety Council's National Food Safety
Education Month.
|
