Keeping Food Safe: Avoid Contagion and Cross-Contamination

Contagion and cross-contamination are serious concerns. There are three ways people are exposed to pathogenic (disease-causing) bacteria:

1. Ingestion of contaminated products
2. Contact with persons already infected with the bacteria, which can be a particular problem in group settings such as nursing homes or day-care centers
3. Ingestion of foods contaminated by contact with infected meat or contaminated utensils or kitchen surfaces