How can food handlers avoid allergen cross-contact?

Food handlers can effectively avoid allergen cross-contact by cleaning surfaces and utensils thoroughly between preparing different foods. This practice is essential because allergens can remain on surfaces and utensils even after they have been used for allergenic foods. If a food handler moves directly from preparing a dish containing allergens to preparing another dish without proper cleaning, there is a risk of transferring allergens to the new food, which can pose a severe health risk to individuals with food allergies.

Thorough cleaning eliminates residual allergens, ensuring that surfaces and utensils are safe for use with allergen-free foods. This step is particularly vital in preventing cross-contact, making it a critical practice for food safety in any food handling environment.

While washing hands after every use, wearing gloves, and using stronger cleaning agents are important food safety practices, they do not directly address the risk associated with allergenic residues on surfaces and utensils as effectively as thorough cleaning does. Proper cleaning protocols target the specific concern of cross-contact among various food types.