What does cross-contamination refer to in food handling?

What does cross-contamination refer to in food handling?

• A. The transfer of pathogens from one surface or food to another
• B. The heating of food to kill pathogens
• C. The chemical cleaning of utensils with bleach
• D. Cooking food under high heat

Answer: (C)

Cross-contamination is the transfer of pathogens from one surface or food to another, usually through contact, handling, or shared tools. It happens when raw meat juices get on a cutting board and then soil a salad, or when the same knife is used on raw meat and then on ready-to-eat items without washing. Preventing it means separating raw and ready-to-eat foods, washing hands and utensils frequently, using separate cutting boards, and cleaning and sanitizing surfaces between tasks. The idea described by heating or cooking is about killing pathogens, not transferring them, and using bleach or other cleaners is about sanitation to reduce risk, not the transfer itself.

Cross-contamination is the transfer of pathogens from one surface or food to another, usually through contact, handling, or shared tools. It happens when raw meat juices get on a cutting board and then soil a salad, or when the same knife is used on raw meat and then on ready-to-eat items without washing. Preventing it means separating raw and ready-to-eat foods, washing hands and utensils frequently, using separate cutting boards, and cleaning and sanitizing surfaces between tasks. The idea described by heating or cooking is about killing pathogens, not transferring them, and using bleach or other cleaners is about sanitation to reduce risk, not the transfer itself.