Cross-contamination is a serious concern in commercial kitchens as it can lead to foodborne illnesses and outbreaks. Professional kitchen cleaning services play a crucial role in preventing cross-contamination by maintaining a clean and sanitised environment. In this article, we will discuss the causes of cross-contamination in commercial kitchens and explore how professional kitchen cleaning services can help prevent it.

Understanding Cross-Contamination

Cross-contamination occurs when harmful substances are transferred from one surface or food item to another. This can happen in various ways, including:

• Direct contact between contaminated and non-contaminated surfaces or food items
• Indirect contact through contaminated utensils, equipment, or hands
• Airborne transmission, where harmful substances are spread through the air

Cross-contamination can be a major issue in a commercial kitchen setting due to the large number of surfaces, equipment, and people involved in preparing and serving food.

How Cross-Contamination Occurs

Here are common ways that cross-contamination can occur:

• Using the same cutting board, knife, or other utensils for different food types without cleaning them properly in between
• Touching ready-to-eat foods with hands that have touched raw meat, poultry, or seafood
• Storing raw meat, poultry, or seafood above ready-to-eat foods in the fridge, allowing drips to contaminate other items
• Using dirty or improperly sanitised equipment, such as food processors or grills
• Failing to wash hands thoroughly and frequently during food preparation and service
• Allowing sick employees to work with food, increasing the risk of spreading harmful bacteria or viruses

Essential Cleaning Equipment

To minimise cross-contamination and ensure the safety of the food prepared in commercial kitchens, several essential cleaning equipment should be present.

1. Cleaning agents and disinfectants are necessary for removing grease, dirt and other debris from surfaces, utensils, and equipment. They also kill bacteria, viruses, and other harmful microorganisms that can cause foodborne illnesses.
2. Use different colours for cutting boards and utensils dedicated to specific food types. For example, red cutting boards and utensils can be used for raw meat, blue for seafood, green for vegetables, and yellow for cooked meats.
3. Sinks with hot and cold water are essential for cleaning and sanitising dishes, utensils, and other kitchen equipment. Hot water is particularly useful for removing grease and stubborn food particles, while cold water is suitable for rinsing and cooling.
4. A commercial-grade dishwasher can help ensure dishes and utensils are cleaned and sanitised properly. It is particularly handy in busy kitchens with high volumes of dishes and utensils to wash.
5. Mops and buckets are essential for cleaning and sanitising kitchen floors, walls, and other surfaces. They should be changed frequently and stored separately to prevent cross-contamination.
6. Disposable gloves are necessary for handling raw meats, poultry, and seafood, and for other tasks that require direct contact with food. They help prevent the transfer of harmful microorganisms from hands to food and surfaces.
7. Sanitising wipes are useful for quickly cleaning and disinfecting surfaces, utensils, and equipment between tasks.

Tips to Prevent Cross-Contamination

Ensure the safety and health of your employees and customers alike by taking these steps against cross-contamination in your kitchen:

• Separate raw meat, poultry, and seafood from ready-to-eat foods in storage and during food preparation
• Clean and sanitise all equipment and surfaces frequently, especially after handling raw meat, poultry, or seafood
• Remind all employees to practise safe food handling and proper hand washing techniques at all times
• Enforce strict sick leave policies to prevent sick employees from handling food
• Test food and surfaces regularly for harmful bacteria and take corrective action when necessary

Cross-Contact vs Cross-Contamination

Cross-contact and cross-contamination are related terms that refer to different ways that food allergens and harmful microorganisms can be transferred from one food item to another.

Cross-Contact

Cross-contact occurs when a food allergen is transferred from one food to another food that does not contain that allergen. This can happen when two foods come into contact with each other, either directly or indirectly. For instance, if a spoon used to scoop peanut butter is then used to scoop jelly, the jelly can become contaminated with peanut residue, potentially causing an allergic reaction in someone who is allergic to peanuts.

Cross-Contamination

Cross-contamination occurs when harmful microorganisms are transferred from one surface or food item to another. For example, if a cutting board used to chop raw chicken is not properly cleaned and sanitised before being used to chop vegetables, harmful bacteria from the chicken can contaminate the vegetables, potentially causing foodborne illnesses.

Keeping Your Commercial Kitchen Clean, Minus the Hassle

Cross-contamination caused by negligence in food safety may have significant repercussions on public health and your business. If your hands are full and you do not have enough time to deep clean your commercial kitchen, you have the option to engage professional kitchen cleaning services like Day&Night Services. You can have peace of mind knowing that our cleaning services will not only maintain your business reputation but also ensure the safety needed.