Raw food, Food Safety Glossary

Uncooked food such as raw meat, poultry and seafood that can carry pathogens and must be kept separate from ready-to-eat food.

Frequently asked questions

What counts as raw food?

Food that has not been cooked or processed to make it safe, such as raw meat, poultry, seafood, eggs and unwashed fresh produce.

Why is raw food a food safety risk?

Raw foods of animal origin can carry pathogens such as Salmonella and Campylobacter, which can cause illness and can spread to other foods through cross-contamination.

Where should raw food be stored in the fridge?

Below and separate from ready-to-eat food, so juices cannot drip onto items that will not be cooked again.

How do you prevent cross-contamination from raw food?

Use separate boards and utensils for raw and ready-to-eat food, wash hands between tasks, and clean and sanitise surfaces after handling raw food.

Does raw food need temperature control?

Potentially hazardous raw food should be kept cold, generally at 5 degrees Celsius or below, to limit bacterial growth before it is cooked.

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