Relationship between cross-contamination and the transmission of foodborne pathogens in the home.

Environmental microbiologists have accumulated a substantial amount of information about the relationship between cross-contamination and the transmission of foodborne pathogens in the home. This information can be translated into guidelines for safe, effective hygienic practices in the home. Such guidelines cannot be mandated but should be strongly promoted via health and hygiene agencies to the general public. Establishing consensus-based, effective hygiene guidelines will benefit the community by reducing the risk of home-based infections such as foodborne disease and by lowering the associated healthcare costs.