California eFoodHandlers Practice Exam

How can cross-contamination occur in a kitchen?

1. By storing raw meat on the same shelf as cooked food

2. Using different cutting boards for every food item

3. Using the same cutting board for raw meat and vegetables without sanitizing it first

4. Cooking food to different temperatures

The correct answer is: Using the same cutting board for raw meat and vegetables without sanitizing it first

Cross-contamination refers to the transfer of harmful bacteria or allergens from one food item to another, which can lead to foodborne illness. The scenario of using the same cutting board for raw meat and vegetables without sanitizing it first perfectly illustrates this concept. When raw meat is prepared on a cutting board, it may contain harmful pathogens such as Salmonella or E. coli. If that same cutting board is then used for cutting vegetables without proper cleaning and sanitizing, these pathogens can easily transfer to the vegetables. This is particularly dangerous because many people consume raw or lightly cooked vegetables, which could lead to illness. This situation highlights the importance of hygiene practices in the kitchen, specifically the need to separate raw and cooked foods, as well as ensuring that utensils and surfaces are cleaned and sanitized between different types of food preparation. Adopting a habit of using separate cutting boards or thoroughly sanitizing them between uses can significantly reduce the risk of cross-contamination.