Question

When different types of food must be prepped on the same​ table, which of these types of food should be prepped first to minimize the risk of​ cross-contamination?

a) Ready-to-eat food
b) Raw meat
c) Vegetables
d) Cooked grains

Answer 1

Ready-to-eat food should be prepped first on a shared table to minimize the risk of cross-contamination and should be followed by thorough cleaning before preparing other types of food.

Step-by-step explanation:

When different types of food must be prepped on the same table to minimize the risk of cross-contamination, ready-to-eat food should be prepped first. This category includes foods that do not require further cooking, such as raw fruits and vegetables, bread, or prepared salads, making them the most vulnerable to bacterial contamination. Following the prep of ready-to-eat foods, the table should be thoroughly cleaned before proceeding to prepare raw meats, vegetables, or cooked grains. It's important to prevent microbes from transferring from foods like raw meat that commonly contain bacteria such as Salmonella, to foods that will be consumed without further cooking. Regular cleaning and sanitizing of surfaces, proper food storage, and cooking foods to the correct internal temperature are key practices to avoid cross-contamination and foodborne illnesses.