(HealthDay News) -- Cross-contamination can occur when different foods are stored or prepared together. For example, germs from raw meat can contaminate ready-to-eat foods that are prepared at the same time.

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics suggests how to avoid cross-contamination:

• In the grocery store, make sure fresh and frozen meat, poultry, fish and eggs are packed separately.
• On hot days, place groceries in the back seat of your air conditioned car, rather than the trunk.
• Store all appropriate groceries in the refrigerator or freezer within two hours.
• Store raw meat, poultry and fish in sealed containers on the bottom shelf of your refrigerator. Keep eggs in their containers on a shelf, rather than in the refrigerator door.
• Wash reusable grocery bags in hot water.
• Wash hands and use separate cooking utensils and cutting boards when preparing raw meat, poultry, eggs or fish.