Utah Food Safety Practice Test

What should you do to prevent contamination while preparing food?

1. Keep raw meats on the counter

2. Use separate cutting boards for different types of food

3. Wash all products together

4. Rinse fruits and vegetables with raw meat juices

The correct answer is: Use separate cutting boards for different types of food

Using separate cutting boards for different types of food is a crucial practice to prevent contamination during food preparation. This method ensures that raw meats, which can harbor harmful bacteria such as Salmonella or E. coli, do not come into contact with ready-to-eat foods like fruits and vegetables. Cross-contamination can occur when juices from raw meats drip onto surfaces that will be used for non-cooked foods, leading to foodborne illnesses. By assigning specific cutting boards for different food groups—such as one for raw meats and another for vegetables—you minimize the risk of spreading pathogens and help ensure food safety. In contrast, keeping raw meats on the counter does not protect against airborne pathogens or transferring bacteria to other surfaces and foods. Washing all products together can also increase the likelihood of cross-contamination rather than preventing it. Rinsing fruits and vegetables with raw meat juices poses a significant risk by directly introducing harmful pathogens to produce that is usually consumed raw. Thus, using separate cutting boards is the best practice to maintain a safe food preparation environment.