Final answer:
Cross contact is the term used to describe the unintentional transfer of allergens or microbes between foods or surfaces, which can lead to foodborne illnesses or allergic reactions. It poses significant risks, especially for individuals with food allergies.
Step-by-step explanation:
Cross contact refers to the contamination of a food item by another food or substance, leading to the transfer of allergens or pathogens. It is a concern particularly for individuals with food allergies, as minuscule amounts of an allergenic substance can cause a reaction. For example, if a knife used to spread peanut butter on bread is subsequently used to spread jam without being cleaned, the second food item is now in 'cross contact' with peanut allergens.
Similarly, in the transmission of infectious diseases, cross contact can occur through direct contact like touching infected skin or objects such as doorknobs, which serve as fomites (inanimate objects that can transfer disease). Examples of diseases spread by direct contact include athlete's foot and warts. In the context of microbiology, prevention is key, and one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of contagious illnesses through cross contact is frequent and proper handwashing.