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.

Red Sneakers

Dedicated to raising awareness about the dangers of food allergies through educational programs, community outreach, and advocacy.

https://redsneakers.org
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