How Food Becomes Contaminated

Food is easily contaminated and the contamination is not always apparent. It's important to take care when preparing food to help prevent food poisoning. Meat and poultry carcasses can become contaminated during slaughter by contact with small amounts of intestinal contents. Similarly, fresh fruits and vegetables can be contaminated if they are washed or irrigated with water that is contaminated with animal manure or human sewage. In the kitchen, microbes can be transferred from one food to another food by using the same knife, cutting board or other utensil to prepare both without washing the surface or utensil in between. Always follow strict food handling protocols to ensure contamination does not occur.