Which of the following is an example of cross-contamination?

Cross-contamination occurs when harmful microorganisms are transferred from one food item to another, often due to improper food handling practices. The answer demonstrates this concept through the scenario where raw chicken juices are dripping onto vegetables. This situation poses a food safety risk, as the juices can carry pathogens from the raw chicken that can contaminate the vegetables, which are often consumed without further cooking.

To prevent cross-contamination, it is critical to keep raw foods, particularly meats like chicken, separate from ready-to-eat foods, such as vegetables. Understanding this principle is vital for maintaining food safety and preventing foodborne illnesses.

The other choices focus on safe practices: using separate utensils avoids cross-contamination, cooking food at the correct temperature ensures that any pathogens are killed, and cleaning surfaces after use helps mitigate the risk of transferring contaminants. However, none of these contribute to the act of cross-contaminating food items, which is explicitly illustrated in the chosen answer.