Which of the following is essential to prevent foodborne illnesses during transportation?

Preventing cross-contamination is crucial during the transportation of food because it helps to ensure that harmful pathogens do not transfer from one food item to another or from surfaces to food. Cross-contamination can occur through various means, such as using the same containers for raw and cooked foods or not properly cleaning utensils and equipment between uses.

Maintaining a separate environment for different types of food, especially raw and ready-to-eat items, minimizes the risk of introducing bacteria that can lead to foodborne illnesses. Safe practices in transportation involve using sanitized containers, ensuring that food items are stored in a way that minimizes the chance of contact between different foods, and adhering to proper hygiene protocols throughout the journey.