How can food handlers effectively prevent cross-contamination?

Using separate cutting boards for raw and cooked foods is an effective way to prevent cross-contamination because it minimizes the risk of harmful pathogens from raw foods, particularly meat, poultry, and seafood, transferring to ready-to-eat foods. This practice helps maintain food safety by creating clear barriers between raw and cooked items, thereby reducing the likelihood of foodborne illnesses.

Cross-contamination can occur through direct contact between different food items or indirectly through tools and surfaces. By designating specific cutting boards for raw and cooked foods, food handlers ensure that any bacteria present on raw ingredients do not come into contact with food that is ready to be consumed. This is a critical aspect of maintaining food hygiene, particularly in environments where a variety of food items are prepared.

While other options may touch on aspects of food safety, they do not specifically address cross-contamination as effectively as using separate cutting boards does. For example, washing hands is important for hygiene but primarily prevents contamination from hands rather than from food surfaces. Cooking at high temperatures helps kill pathogens but does not address the risk of cross-contamination during the preparation phase. Utilizing the same utensils for all foods increases the risk of transferring harmful microorganisms from raw to cooked foods, which contradicts the goal of preventing cross-contamination.