What is cross-contamination?

Cross-contamination refers specifically to the transfer of harmful bacteria or pathogens from one food item to another. This often occurs when raw foods, such as meat or poultry, come into contact with ready-to-eat foods like salads or fruits. Such transfer can happen through direct contact or indirect means, such as using the same cutting board or knife without proper cleaning in between uses.

Understanding this concept is crucial in food safety to prevent foodborne illnesses. While transferring ingredients or mixing raw foods may suggest a level of handling that can lead to contamination, they do not encompass the full definition and importance of avoiding the transfer of harmful bacteria. Similarly, cross-using utensils is a potential cause of cross-contamination, but it is not the definition itself. The key focus of cross-contamination is the movement of harmful bacteria between food items, which is why the chosen answer accurately captures the essence of the term.