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

• A. Using different knives for meat and vegetables
• B. Using the same cutting board for raw meat and then chopping produce without cleaning
• C. Cooking meats at the appropriate temperature
• D. Properly sanitizing surfaces after use

Answer: (B)

Cross-contamination occurs when harmful bacteria or allergens are transferred from one food item to another, which can lead to foodborne illnesses. The correct choice highlights a scenario in which raw meat, potentially harboring pathogens, is processed on the same cutting board as fresh produce without proper cleaning in between. This practice poses a significant risk because any bacteria present on the raw meat can easily be transferred to the vegetables, thus contaminating them and compromising food safety.

In contrast, using different knives for meat and vegetables significantly reduces the risk of cross-contamination since separate utensils prevent the transfer of harmful microorganisms. Cooking meats at the proper temperature is an essential food safety practice that focuses on killing bacteria in the meat itself, rather than on preventing the transfer of bacteria between different food items. Proper sanitization of surfaces after use is also a critical step in maintaining hygiene and preventing contamination, but it does not illustrate the act of cross-contamination itself. The highlighted scenario directly exemplifies cross-contamination, making it the correct response.