Health Tip: Prevent Food Cross-Contamination

(HealthDay News) -- Some food allergies are so severe that exposure to even a trace of certain foods can trigger a severe allergic reaction.

One way to reduce the risk of a severe reaction is to avoid cross-contaminating foods to which a person is overly sensitive with other foods.

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics offers these guidelines:

• Thoroughly wash all pots, pans and utensils with soap and water before use.

• If cooking two meals (one for someone with a food allergy), cook the allergen-free meal first and keep it covered and away from other food.

• Thoroughly wash hands with soap and water before serving an allergen-free meal.

• Be careful not to allow any allergens to touch allergen-free utensils, dishes or foods.