Cross-Contamination

Cross-contamination refers to the unintentional transfer of contaminants (such as chemicals, microorganisms, or particles) from one substance, product, or environment to another. Cross-contamination can compromise product quality, safety, and efficacy in regulated industries like pharmaceuticals and food manufacturing.

Regulatory bodies like the FDA mandate strict controls to prevent cross-contamination, particularly in manufacturing facilities that handle multiple products.

Key controls include:

• Physical separation of production areas
  Dedicated equipment for specific products
  Cleaning validation protocols
  Personnel hygiene and gowning procedures

The prevention of cross-contamination is critical for safeguarding consumer health and maintaining product integrity, especially when handling highly potent or hazardous substances.