Cross Contaminatio

nMiss. Potts’ Helpful Hints

Gluten-free individuals have to be extremely careful in their day-to-day cooking because

cross contamination is a big problem if a kitchen is not 100% gluten free.

Hint #1Don’t prepare gluten-

free foods on the same surface used to

prepare foods with gluten.

Solution1. Designate your own

cooking area in the kitchen that non gluten-free cookers can not use.

2. Thoroughly clean the surface of the counter

before each use.

Hint #2Do not use utensils

that have been used to make foods

containing gluten.

Solution1. Thoroughly clean

utensils before each use.

2. Purchase separate utensils for gluten-

free cooking.

Hint #3Do not use the same

toaster for gluten-free bread and regular

bread.

Solution1. The best option is to purchase

your own toaster and label it gluten-free.

2. Purchase toaster bags. Toaster bags encompass your bread and prevent bread crumbs

from contaminating the gluten-free bread.

Hint #4Do not use the same sifter for gluten-free and regular flours or

for pastas.

Solution1. Purchase your own

sifter. 2. Thoroughly clean

the sifter before each use.

Hint #5Don’t deep-fry gluten-

free foods in the same oil used to fry

breaded items.

Solution1. Change the oil after

every use and thoroughly clean the

machine. 2. Purchase your own deep

fryer to prevent any cross contamination.

Hint #6Watch out for bread

crumbs in spreadable condiments, such as

butter.

Solution1. Completely avoid all

spreadable condiments used by people without a gluten

sensitivity.2. Buy your own condiments and

label them with your name so others will know not to use them to prevent any future

cross contamination.

Hint #7Avoid using gluten flours in kitchens where gluten-free food is prepared.

Why?Flour is similar to dust. It

is made up of tiny particles that can linger in the air for hours after use, contaminating other foods or breathed in my gluten

sensitive individuals.

Solution1. Prevent using a kitchen

where regular flour is used.

2. Wait several hours after regular flour has been used, then thoroughly clean all surfaces and utensils before use.

Hint #8

Avoid placing gluten-free items below

regular items in the refrigerator.

SolutionPlace gluten-free items

on top of the refrigerator in sealed

containers so no particles can fall onto the gluten-free items.

Hint #9Avoid using the oven if it is not a 100% gluten-

free kitchen. Bread crumbs can linger and

rise when the oven gets hotter.

Solution

Clean the oven before each use.

Hint #10

Avoid using the same cutting board as non

gluten free individuals.

SolutionThe best option is to

have a separate cutting board for

gluten free individuals.

Why?A cutting board has tiny slices from where items have been cut making it

near impossible to completely clean all gluten out of those tiny crevices.

The best solutions for gluten free individuals are to have their own cooking utensils and supplies. Along with thoroughly cleaning

every surface.

Households should develop kitchen guidelines and regulations to prevent cross

contamination.

Now it’s your turn!

Go write your own household cooking

plan!