Health Tip: Avoid Cross-Contaminating Food

(HealthDay News) -- Cross-contamination can occur when different foods are stored or prepared together. For example, germs from raw meat can contaminate ready-to-eat foods that are prepared at the same time.

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics suggests how to avoid cross-contamination:

In the grocery store, make sure fresh and frozen meat, poultry, fish and eggs are packed separately.
On hot days, place groceries in the back seat of your air conditioned car, rather than the trunk.
Store all appropriate groceries in the refrigerator or freezer within two hours.
Store raw meat, poultry and fish in sealed containers on the bottom shelf of your refrigerator. Keep eggs in their containers on a shelf, rather than in the refrigerator door.
Wash reusable grocery bags in hot water.
Wash hands and use separate cooking utensils and cutting boards when preparing raw meat, poultry, eggs or fish.

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