Kitchen hygiene

More than 100,000 illnesses that may have been caused by the presence of microorganisms, particularly bacteria, viruses or parasites, in food are reported in Germany every year. The real figure could be much higher. By complying with kitchen hygiene rules, consumers can protect themselves and other people from food-related illnesses caused by microorganisms in food. This also applies to food that is contaminated with antibiotic-resistant germs.

On this page, the BfRshort forGerman Federal Institute for Risk Assessment has compiled information material containing some simple tips on protection against foodborne infections.

Use separate kitchen utensils for raw and cooked foods, as well as for foods that are eaten without further heating. 

In the video “Don´t touch raw chicken” we show how microorganisms may be transferred directly from one food to another if these foods come into contact with one another unpackaged. This form of bacterial transfer is known as cross-contamination.