Difference Between Contamination and Cross Contamination

Food is necessary for human survival on earth. Some unhealthy eating habits and improper dealing of food may lead to death. Contamination and Cross Contamination are two terms that are usually neglected while preparation and storage of eatables that result adversely on our health. Both processes attack our health in the same manner but from different sources.

Contamination vs Cross Contamination 

The main difference between Contamination and Cross Contamination is that Contamination is improper management of prepared or uncooked food that turns out harmful to the human body. On the other hand, Cross Contamination means unintended processing of chemicals, micro bacteria, or germs into eatables. Contamination is less harmful than Cross Contamination. 

Contamination is a process of food spoilage, where the management and handling of food in an improper way leads to a dangerous impact on the human body. Contamination in food can arise in numerous ways i.e. Chemical Contamination, Physical Contamination, and Biological Contamination. Covering the meals and washing the fruits and vegetables before intake are a few ways to minimize it.

Cross Contamination refers to the transmission of bacteria and allergic substances from food products and other objects. It usually occurs in food items containing allergens. Kitchens of Hotels and Restaurants kitchens are prone to Cross Contamination. The consequences of Cross Contamination are toxic for human body parts. For example, Raw meat containing pathogens are transferable to surrounding items. 

Comparison Table Between Contamination and Cross Contamination 

What is Contamination?

Contamination is a severe public health issue around the globe. It results in food-borne health problems like stomach infection or food poisoning. The main cause of Contamination in food is the presence of germs and bacteria in the eatables. 

Food items will change the color, flavor, odor, or taste of the dish while spoiled from bacteria. A cooked dish can be contaminated again if come in contact with any raw item. Hand Washing is a good habit to prevent unhygienic in cooking and eating. 

Refrigeration and Cold storage also protect the multiplication of germs and bacteria in the food items through only visual bacteria can be minimized with it. If we wash our fruits and vegetables with spoiled water or reused water that may lead to Contamination again. 

Insecticides, herbicides, rodenticides, and other pesticides used in harvesting also lead to direct Contamination in food. Reduction of Contamination effect by sterilizing utensils and sanitizing kitchen tools from the outer area. Fermentation or Rancidity will occur in Contaminated food. Meat and poultry can spoil other items present in the cooking area.

Covering the food with a lid or plate also protects from Contamination. Insects in the kitchen cause Contamination in raw food items to avoid the same organic pest control should be in place. 

What is Cross Contamination?

Cross Contamination arises when one contaminated food item spoils another fresh food item by transferring the germs. For example, an infected sauce is consumed with a freshly prepared sandwich. If an allergen-causing food is mixed with the raw food items in the kitchen that will give rise to Cross Contamination. 

Workers in the food manufacturing unit if, do not follow cleaning habits will give rise to Cross-Contamination in food. 

Following habits can reduce Cross-Contamination:

• Storing raw food and ready-to-eat foods separately.
• Ensure employees must be able to recognize and prevent cross-contamination situations.
• Ensure companies and factories have measures set up to reduce the likelihood of cross-contamination.
• To observe hygiene when handling food products.

Cleaning plays a crucial role in the prevention of Cross Contamination that arises from rapidly growing bacteria. Training should be in place to follow deep cleaning habits. The side-effects of Cross Contamination are mild to severe on the human body. A few Side-effects are loss of appetite, stomach ache, headache, nausea, upset stomach, and diarrhea.

For better understanding, A Person making Pizza at the stall may transfer his bacteria into the dough, that is further consumed by us. One thing that is clear in the case of Cross Contamination is Food and eatables only. 

Main Differences Between Contamination and Cross Contamination 

Conclusion

Both the terminology affect our health. We, humans, are responsible for both the adverse situation of Contamination and Cross Contamination. 

Anything that produces harmful substances falls under the category of Contamination. Various types of Contamination are Chemical Contamination, Environmental Contamination, Agricultural Contamination, Radioactive Contamination, and Interplanetary Contamination.

Humans and Aminals both suffer from the negativity of Contamination. Cleaning, sterilizing, and boiling can minimize the impact of Cross Contamination. Every single step makes a difference in the path of change. 

We consume many dishes that somehow contain bacteria, microorganisms, and viruses. These harmful elements make our survival difficult. Not only humans but even plants and animals also suffer. 

Everyone can take responsibility for a healthy environment which can decrease the Contamination and Cross-Contamination from our environment. Leading a healthy life must be our priority.

References 

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