3 Tips to Avoid Cross-Contact In Restaurants

Picture this. You've made the staff at a restaurant aware of your allergens, but you still have an allergic reaction. What could have gone wrong?

You may have fallen victim to cross-contact. This happens when foods mix proteins after coming into contact with each other. It’s important to note that cross-contact is different than cross-contamination, which is when harmful *bacteria* are transferred to a food from another food or surface — like touching raw meats, then handling vegetables without washing hands between tasks.

What's worse with cross-contact is that the amount is so small that it cannot be seen. But for people who are allergic to certain food items, even a trace element of that food can be enough to trigger a reaction.

Here are 3 ways you can avoid cross-contact when eating out:

1️⃣ Ensure all surfaces are clean before you begin eating.

2️⃣ Request the restaurant staff to prepare your food at a separate counter/area.

3️⃣ Ask the restaurant to use separate utensils and equipment so your food is allergen-free.

Remind them that even a slight miss on their part can be as dangerous as life and death for you.