What is cross-contamination?

Cross-contamination refers specifically to the transfer of harmful bacteria or pathogens from one food item to another, which can lead to foodborne illnesses. This can occur in various ways, such as when raw meat juices drip onto vegetables, or when the same cutting board or utensils are used for both raw and cooked foods without proper cleaning in between.

Understanding cross-contamination is crucial in food safety practices, as it emphasizes the importance of keeping different types of food separate during storage, preparation, and cooking. Proper techniques like using separate cutting boards for meat and vegetables, and thoroughly washing hands and surfaces can help prevent cross-contamination, thus ensuring the safety of the food being prepared and served. The other options, while related to food safety concerns, do not accurately define cross-contamination.