Answer :
Final answer:
Cross-contamination is the transfer of pathogens from one surface or food to another, leading to potential foodborne illnesses. It's important to separate raw foods from ready-to-eat foods and to clean utensils thoroughly to prevent the spread of bacteria like Salmonella.
Explanation:
Cross-contamination occurs when pathogens are transferred from one surface or food to another, often leading to foodborne illnesses. It's crucial to separate raw foods, such as eggs, poultry, and meat, which may contain bacteria like Salmonella, from ready-to-eat foods to prevent contamination. Utensils and surfaces used for preparing these raw foods need to be thoroughly cleaned before being used for other foods to avoid the spread of microbes.
Understanding and preventing cross-contamination is a vital aspect of food safety. Poor hygiene, improper food handling, and insufficient cooking are other common causes of foodborne diseases. It is the responsibility of both food industry regulators and individual food handlers to ensure that the food supply remains safe and free from contamination.