Answer :
Final answer:
It is necessary to clean utensils and surfaces to prevent cross-contamination and the transfer of pathogens between foods. This can be prevented by following good hygiene practices, such as washing hands and thoroughly cleaning all food preparation surfaces and utensils.
Explanation:
It is important to clean utensils and surfaces carefully to prevent cross-contamination, and the spread of pathogens from one food to another. Cross-contamination occurs when bacteria, viruses, or other microbes are transferred from one food item to another. This is often due to indirect contact via a contaminated medium such as a cutting board, knife, or countertop. For example, using the same chopping board for cutting raw chicken and then slicing vegetables without properly cleaning it can lead to the spread of Salmonella or other bacteria.
Poor hygiene practices are a significant contributor to foodborne illnesses. Not washing hands before handling food, or after coming into contact with contaminates, can transmit viruses like norovirus, which can infect food and make people sick. The infectious dose, or the amount of an agent that must be consumed to cause disease, varies depending on the organism and the individual's health.
Avoiding pathogens is critical, and regular handwashing is one of the best ways to prevent the spread of disease. Additionally, washing the foods you eat, along with the utensils and surfaces where food is prepared, is important. Food safety at home is primarily achieved by adhering to good food safety practices, which include avoiding the spread of pathogens through proper hygiene and preventing cross-contamination.