Cross Contamination

[Noel1965]

Hi Everyone - Looking for opinions......do you think it would be safe to cook breaded chicken fingers for family on one cookie sheet and fish for me (gluten free) on another cookie sheet in the oven at the same time? I just assumed this was okay but thought I better check it out....thanks!

[Guest cassidy]

If you are very careful, you should be fine. I would cook yours on top so if you take theirs out and some crumbs fall out, then won't fall onto your food.

Also, watch the pot holders. I know I have touched food with the pot holders when taking it out of the oven. You wouldn't want to touch their food by mistake and then touch yours.

I would also make sure that you use separate utensils to flip things/take them off and that if anyone is helping you they know which things are gluten-free.

If I am making gluten filled food at the same time as mine I usually take mine out and put it somewhere like the microwave while I make up the other plates. Then I touch all the gluten I need to, wipe down the counters and then take my food out.

[Noel1965]

Thanks Cassidy - I am very careful and do all the things you recommended. I was more wondering about the air in the oven as things are being cooked .....crazy? Can the gluten transfer onto my food?

[jmengert]

I share an oven with gluten eaters and have never had a problem. I also watch out for things like pot holders and putting my cookie sheet or dish on top so there's no spill over from their food onto mine, but as far as it being in the air, that's not an issue. I certainly understand being careful, though--I'm very viligant myself, but this isn't something I worry too much about, as long as I'm careful.

[Noel1965]

Thanks for the input jmengert and cassidy.....I will worry no longer!

[jerseyangel]

Yep--perfectly safe. I'll pass along another tip that was given to me--for added safety, position the gluten-free food over (not underneath) the gluten food, in case of splatter.