Preparing For Pickup: Other Sources of Cross-Contamination
Section 4 of 16

Dirty equipment is just one way you risk cross-contamination when transporting food donations. Your own personal hygiene can also introduce contamination risks. Ask yourself:

• Are my clothes clean and free from dirt and bacteria?
• Are my hands and fingernails clean? (Click here to review guidelines on hand-washing)
• Am I nauseous, sneezing, or in some other way spreading germs that could cross-contaminate the food?
• Is my car clean or do I need to place a clean sheet on the seat before I put the food container in?

These questions can help you decide whether your personal hygiene and health poses a risk for cross-contaminating the food. A neat and tidy appearance also reflects well on the agency you represent, and helps build a good relationship between the agency and the donor.

Are there other ways I can cross-contaminate food?