crosscontamination
Pathogen migration between
Cross-contamination is the transfer of harmful substances—typically bacteria or allergens—from one surface, food, or object to another.
In kitchens, using the same cutting board for raw chicken and vegetables risks cross-contamination.
The term extends to any situation where unwanted material spreads between separate things: cross-contamination between crime scenes, cross-contamination of lab samples.
Nucleus-free single-celled organisms
- virusMicroscopic infectious agent
- microbesMicroscopic living organisms
- germsMicroscopic disease agents
- pathogensDisease-causing microorganisms
salmonella · listeria · norovirus · spores · fungi · parasites · toxins · staph
Birds raised for food
- seafoodMarine creatures as cuisine
- utensilsTools for eating
- vegetablesEdible plants, not fruits
- fruitsEdible seed-bearing crops
marinade · juices · defrosting · chopping · cookware · colander · tongs · spatula
Cleaning palms with soap
- sanitizerAgent that reduces microbes
- disinfectantAgent destroying surface pathogens
- soapFatty alkali cleanser
- glovesHand coverings with fingers
scrubbing · rinsing · sanitation · cleanliness · antibacterial · hygienic · sanitary · touchpoints
Obstruction preventing passage
- glovesHand coverings with fingers
- maskFace-worn concealment
- shieldHandheld defensive armor
- isolationComplete separation from others
containment · protocol · inspection · compliance · zoning · wrapping · sealing
Free from pathogens
- cleanroomParticle-free manufacturing space
- autoclavePressurized steam sterilization chamber
- sterilizationComplete elimination of microbes
- gloveboxDashboard storage nook
To distribute widely
- transferMove between locations
- contactCommunication or physical touch
- dropletsMinute liquid globules
- splashbackWall panel behind counters
aerosolized · drippage · spillover · airborne · carryover
bacteria
Nucleus-free single-celled organisms
- virusMicroscopic infectious agent
- microbesMicroscopic living organisms
- germsMicroscopic disease agents
pathogens · salmonella · listeria · norovirus · spores · fungi · parasites · toxins · staph · biofilm
poultry
Birds raised for food
- seafoodMarine creatures as cuisine
- utensilsTools for eating
- vegetablesEdible plants, not fruits
fruits · marinade · juices · defrosting · chopping · cookware · colander · tongs · spatula · allergens
handwashing
Cleaning palms with soap
- sanitizerAgent that reduces microbes
- disinfectantAgent destroying surface pathogens
- soapFatty alkali cleanser
gloves · scrubbing · rinsing · sanitation · cleanliness · antibacterial · hygienic · sanitary · touchpoints
barrier
Obstruction preventing passage
isolation · containment · protocol · inspection · compliance · zoning · wrapping · sealing
aseptic
Free from pathogens
- cleanroomParticle-free manufacturing space
- autoclavePressurized steam sterilization chamber
- sterilizationComplete elimination of microbes
spread
To distribute widely
aerosolized · splashback · drippage · spillover · airborne · carryover
crosscontaminationpurity
Uncontaminated quality
sterility · cleanliness · uncontaminated · pristine · sanitation
crosscontaminationisolation
Complete separation from others
containment · segregation · separation · quarantine · compartmentalization
crosscontaminationsterility
Absence of microbes or fertility
purity · cleanliness · decontamination · sterilization · sanitation
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