The Hidden Risks of Cross-Contact: Tips for Restaurants and Diners

If you’ve ever had a reaction even after being told a dish was “safe,” you’re not alone. The likely culprit? Cross-contact.

Cross-contact occurs when allergens are accidentally transferred from one food or surface to another. It’s a serious risk, and a common one, for people with food allergies. Whether you're running a kitchen or ordering a meal, understanding and managing cross-contact is essential to keeping diners safe.

In this post, we’ll share simple, actionable tips for both restaurants and diners to reduce the risk of cross-contact.

For Restaurants

Preventing cross-contact doesn’t require a kitchen overhaul, but it does require care and consistency. According to FARE (Food Allergy Research & Education), restaurants should:

• Never use the same utensils (spoons, tongs, spatulas) across dishes if one contains an allergen.

• Wash all prep items thoroughly: this includes knives, cutting boards, and blenders. Clean them with soap and water, between uses.

• Start over if there's a mistake: Even trace amounts of an allergen can trigger a reaction. If an allergen accidentally ends up in a “safe” dish, remake it completely.

In addition, restaurants can strengthen their safety protocols by enrolling staff in allergy-awareness training programs. Here are two created by trusted organizations: 

• FARE Check (from Food Allergy Research & Education) offers both on-demand and instructor-led training for restaurants focused on food allergy safety.

• ServSafe Allergen Training covers allergen identification, cross-contact prevention, guest communication, food labeling, and more. It also includes a certification exam to confirm staff understanding.

For Diners

Restaurant safety is a two-way street. Diners can also take steps to help prevent allergic reactions caused by cross-contact:

• Ask questions before you go. One of the best ways to assess risk is to call ahead and ask about the restaurant’s allergy practices. FARE even provides a list of six questions you can use. If you don’t feel confident in their answers, it’s okay to choose somewhere else.

• Consider supermarket meals when traveling: After experiencing two allergic reactions in 2024 while traveling in Britain and Greece, I found that supermarket products, with clearly labeled ingredients, were a much safer option. When in doubt, packaged food is often the safest bet.

And no matter where you're eating, always carry your EpiPen (or other epinephrine auto-injector) and antihistamines like Benadryl.

Final Thoughts

Cross-contact is a real risk, but one that can be significantly reduced with the right steps on both sides of the table.

Whether you're cooking in a busy kitchen or navigating a menu with food allergies, awareness and preparation are key. If you need extra support, FARE’s resources on cross-contact and eating out are a great place to start.

Want to be Featured?

Does your restaurant go above and beyond to prevent cross-contact or serve allergy-conscious diners?

We’d love to spotlight your efforts. Send us an email at safeplatealliance@gmail.com, and we’ll be in touch!

Thanks for reading, and for helping create a safer dining experience for everyone.

Disclaimer: This information is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider or allergist about managing your specific food allergies. Individual reactions can vary, and what works for one person may not be appropriate for another. In case of a severe allergic reaction, seek immediate medical attention.