cross-contamination

or cross con·tam·i·na·tion

[ kraws-kuhn-tam-uh-ney-shuhn, kros ]

noun

1. the unwanted transfer of something bad or harmful from one person or thing to another, especially pathogens or allergens:

   Even if an item has no dairy in it, there may be cross-contamination from other products made with the same equipment.

   Each of you should use your own towel to avoid cross-contamination.

2. the unwanted mixing of minute amounts of one substance into another, as with laboratory specimens:

   Your poor laboratory practices leave too much opportunity for cross-contamination of samples.

3. the mixing of ideas, information, etc., in such a way as to compromise their integrity or reliability:

   I never read books in the genre I'm writing in—I worry about a subconscious cross-contamination of ideas.

   Cross-contamination of testimony is a key issue when interviewing children as witnesses.

Word History and Origins

Origin of cross-contamination¹

First recorded in 1895–1900

Example Sentences

Such conditions can lead to bacterial growth, cross-contamination and, ultimately, a higher likelihood of customers falling ill - in some cases seriously.

From BBC

Lee also alleged that several restaurants, which he left unnamed, followed unsanitary practices and risked cross-contamination with shellfish, to which Lee said he’s allergic.

From Salon

The accounts became wilder and more embellished, and what had seem like cross-corroboration now seemed a clear case of cross-contamination.

From Los Angeles Times

The US Food and Drug Administration recommends cooking poultry, eggs and other animal products to the proper temperature and preventing cross-contamination between raw and cooked food.

From Salon

Many people with milk protein or nut allergy, intolerance or sensitivity will want to keep an eye on ingredients and potential cross-contamination.

From Seattle Times