Answer :
Final answer:
Cross-contamination makes food unsafe due to the transfer of pathogens between surfaces or foods, and it can happen when handling raw and ready-to-eat foods improperly. Key prevention measures include good hygiene, proper food handling, and temperature control. Agencies like the FDA regulate food safety, but individuals must practice food safety at home as well.
Explanation:
Cross-Contamination in Food Safety
Cross-contamination causes food to become unsafe primarily because pathogens are transferred from one surface or food to another. Food contamination can occur at any point from production to consumption, and cross-contamination is a critical concern when handling different types of food, especially raw and ready-to-eat foods. For example, using the same cutting board for raw chicken and then for slicing vegetables without properly sanitizing it in between can lead to the transfer of harmful bacteria such as Salmonella.
Three main ways that food becomes contaminated are through poor hygiene, cross-contamination, and failure of temperature control. To prevent cross-contamination and other forms of foodborne illness, safe food handling practices are essential. These include routine handwashing, thorough cleaning of utensils and surfaces, proper cooking, and maintaining safe food temperatures.
Health agencies such as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) work to ensure food safety, but at home, the responsibility lies with individuals to follow good food safety practices. It is a misconception that foodborne disease is only caused by food that has spoiled; rather, improper handling and cross-contamination are significant culprits.