Can bacteria spread from one surface to another?

Yes
No

Yes. It is called cross-contamination. Bacteria in raw meat juices can contaminate foods that have been cooked safely or raw foods that wont be cooked, such as salad ingredients. Bacteria can also be present on equipment, hands, and even in the air. To avoid cross-contamination, wash your hands with soap and hot water before and after handling ground beef to make sure you dont spread bacteria. Dont reuse any packaging materials. Use soap and hot water to wash utensils and surfaces which have come into contact with the raw meat. Dont put cooked hamburgers on the same platter that held the raw patties.