Final answer:
Cross-contact is the transfer of microbes from contaminated food or surfaces to other food items, causing potential foodborne illnesses. Proper cleaning and food handling can prevent cross-contact, and understanding the concept of the infectious dose is key to recognizing how few microbes can cause illness.
Step-by-step explanation:
Cross-contact refers to the passing of microbes to food or food contact surfaces. This form of contamination occurs when microbes, such as bacteria or viruses, are transferred from one food to another, potentially leading to foodborne illnesses. Foods that commonly contain bacteria, like raw eggs, poultry, and meat, should never come in direct or indirect contact with ready-to-eat foods. Using the same utensils or cutting boards for contaminated and uncontaminated foods without proper cleaning can result in cross-contact. Increasing exposure to pathogens on surfaces can occur in places with high concentrations of people, as infected individuals may spread microbes to objects touched by others. Additionally, poor hygiene practices contribute heavily to the spread of contaminants like norovirus, which can be transferred to food items and surfaces by infected individuals. It's important to understand that even a small number of pathogen particles, known as the infectious dose, can cause illness.