Can I use the same board for raw chicken and salad?

Only after washing and sanitising it (or using a separate clean board). Wiping is not enough.

What is cross-contact?

The allergen version of cross-contamination — allergen traces transferring via shared equipment, hands or oil. Cooking does not remove allergens.

How can I revise cross contamination quickly?

Use topic-drill mode for cross contamination and read the explanation on every question you miss, then re-test. Flashcards and a full 40-question practice test help the knowledge stick before your assessment.

Cross Contamination

Cross contamination is the transfer of harmful bacteria or allergens from one food, surface, person or piece of equipment to another. It is why raw chicken and salad must never share an unwashed board.

Separation plus cleaning and sanitising between tasks is the core defence.

Direct vs indirect

Direct: raw food touches ready-to-eat food (e.g. raw meat dripping onto a salad). Indirect: bacteria travel via hands, knives, boards or cloths. Store ready-to-eat food above raw, with raw poultry and mince at the bottom.

Bacterial vs allergen

Bacterial cross-contamination spreads pathogens (often killed by cooking); allergen cross-contact spreads allergen proteins, which cooking does not destroy. Use clean or dedicated equipment for allergic customers.

How to revise cross contamination for the exam

Practise the raw-to-ready-to-eat scenarios and remember gloves are not a substitute for hand washing. The questions are usually scenario-based, so practise applying the rule rather than just reciting it. Work through the Cross Contamination drill below until you can answer without hesitating, review anything you get wrong, then sit a full timed test to confirm you are exam-ready.

Common exam traps

Gloves are not enough — reused gloves spread bacteria; change them.
Wiping a board with a cloth is not cleaning — wash and sanitise it.
Shared fryer oil carries the wheat allergen to 'plain' chips.

Cross Contamination FAQ

What is cross-contamination?+: The transfer of harmful bacteria or allergens from one food, surface, person or piece of equipment to another.
Can I use the same board for raw chicken and salad?+: Only after washing and sanitising it (or using a separate clean board). Wiping is not enough.
What is cross-contact?+: The allergen version of cross-contamination — allergen traces transferring via shared equipment, hands or oil. Cooking does not remove allergens.
How can I revise cross contamination quickly?+: Use topic-drill mode for cross contamination and read the explanation on every question you miss, then re-test. Flashcards and a full 40-question practice test help the knowledge stick before your assessment.

Ready to test yourself?

Drill cross contamination questions, or take a full 40-question practice test. Instant feedback, no sign-up.

Start Cross Contamination drill Full practice test

Study all 12 topics

Food Standards Code & Legislation Food Handler Responsibilities Temperature & Danger Zone Personal Hygiene Cleaning & Sanitising Allergen Management Food Storage & Labelling Pest Control HACCP Basics Food Safety Supervisor Duties High-Risk Foods & Vulnerable Groups

Written and reviewed by the Food Safety Practice AU editorial team. Last reviewed June 2026. Based on the Food Standards Code (FSANZ) and Australian state/territory food authorities. General guidance only — not official certification.