What is the term used when food is contaminated by other objects?

The term referring to food being contaminated by other objects is cross contamination. This occurs when harmful bacteria or allergens are transferred from one surface, food, or object to another, leading to potential health risks. It is particularly pertinent in food preparation and handling, where careful separation and cleanliness are crucial to ensure that foods remain safe for consumption.

Cross contamination can happen through various means, such as using the same cutting board for raw meat and vegetables without proper cleaning. Understanding cross contamination is vital for food safety practices, helping to prevent foodborne illnesses that may arise from such practices.

Food poisoning refers specifically to illnesses caused by consuming contaminated food and is an outcome of cross contamination, among other factors. Food spoilage involves the deterioration of food quality, making it unfit for consumption, but does not specifically relate to contamination by objects. A bacterial infection is a health condition caused by bacteria, which can result from eating contaminated food but does not capture the process of food contamination itself.