cross contamination
noun
variants
or cross-contamination
: inadvertent transfer of bacteria or other contaminants from one surface, substance, etc., to another especially because of unsanitary handling procedures
With raw eggs, as with raw chickens, it is important to avoid cross contamination. Use separate utensils—bowls, forks, knives, counter tops, and cutting boards—for raw chickens or eggs, and clean them thoroughly before reusing them for cooked foods.—
Phyllis C. Richman
Phyllis C. RichmanJim Steinhoff, a sanitarian and food inspector for the La Crosse County Health Department, said cross-contamination is the cause of the recent nationwide salmonella outbreak with peanut butter products.—Terry Rindfleisch
Terry Rindfleisch
cross-contaminate
transitive verb
cross-contaminated; cross-contaminating
"ARB [=antibiotic-resistant bacteria] are carried into the kitchen on contaminated meat and poultry, where other foods are cross-contaminated because of common unsafe handling practices."
—Jerome Groopman
Jerome Groopman
There's an ongoing debate about whether wood or plastic is more bacteria-resistant. But more important than the material of your cutting board is how you clean it. Don't cross-contaminate it by using an old sponge or less-than-pristine dishtowel.
—Natural Health
Natural Health
Examples of cross contamination in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Even the slightest bit of cross contamination — cooking in the same pan or using the same spoon — can cause serious illness.
—Charlotte Observer, 22 Sep. 2025
Savers Cost Plus, at 2708 W. Seminary Drive, scored 33 demerits, after inspectors observed food stored at unsafe temperatures, cross contamination, dirty equipment and flies in the meat area.
—Shambhavi Rimal, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 28 Aug. 2025
Also, ask about food preparation techniques to ensure cross contamination isn’t a concern.
—Julie Marks, Verywell Health, 12 June 2025
Raw and cooked shrimp were stored inside the same container inside the reach-in cooler, leading to cross contamination.
—Veronica Fernandez-Alvarado, Sacbee.com, 4 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for cross contamination
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Charlotte Observer, 22 Sep. 2025
Savers Cost Plus, at 2708 W. Seminary Drive, scored 33 demerits, after inspectors observed food stored at unsafe temperatures, cross contamination, dirty equipment and flies in the meat area.
—Shambhavi Rimal, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 28 Aug. 2025
Also, ask about food preparation techniques to ensure cross contamination isn’t a concern.
—Julie Marks, Verywell Health, 12 June 2025
Raw and cooked shrimp were stored inside the same container inside the reach-in cooler, leading to cross contamination.
—Veronica Fernandez-Alvarado, Sacbee.com, 4 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for cross contamination
Cite this Entry
“Cross contamination.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cross%20contamination. Accessed 29 Oct. 2025.
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