Health Tip: Prevent Food Cross-Contamination

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(HealthDay News) -- Some food allergies are so severe that exposure to even a trace of certain foods can trigger a severe allergic reaction.

One way to reduce the risk of a severe reaction is to avoid cross-contaminating foods to which a person is overly sensitive with other foods.

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics offers these guidelines:

• Thoroughly wash all pots, pans and utensils with soap and water before use.
• If cooking two meals (one for someone with a food allergy), cook the allergen-free meal first and keep it covered and away from other food.
• Thoroughly wash hands with soap and water before serving an allergen-free meal.
• Be careful not to allow any allergens to touch allergen-free utensils, dishes or foods.

-- Diana Kohnle

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