Final answer:
Kitchen staff must maintain separate utensils and cleaning procedures for allergenic foods to prevent cross-contact, safeguarding against allergic reactions.
Step-by-step explanation:
To avoid serving food that could cause an allergic reaction, kitchen staff must avoid cross-contact by keeping allergenic foods separate from other foods and ensuring that surfaces, utensils, and equipment are thoroughly cleaned before use with other food items. Cross-contamination can occur when proteins from allergenic foods come into contact with other foods.
This can be particularly dangerous for individuals with food allergies. It is essential to use separate utensils, cutting boards, and preparation areas for allergenic ingredients and to clean these items thoroughly after use. Regular handwashing is crucial as well to prevent the spread of allergens from hands to food. Moreover, kitchen staff should be trained to recognize common allergens and understand the importance of preventing cross-contact to ensure the safety of customers with food allergies.