Final answer:
Cross-contamination occurs when bacteria or other microorganisms are transferred from one food to another, leading to an increased risk of foodborne illness. It is important to practice good hygiene and prevent cross-contamination by using separate cutting boards and utensils for raw meat and other foods.
Step-by-step explanation:
Cross-contamination occurs when microbes are transferred from one food to another. For example, if a cutting board or knife is used to prepare raw chicken, and then used without proper cleaning to prepare raw fruits or vegetables, the bacteria from the chicken can contaminate the fresh produce. This can lead to foodborne illness if the contaminated food is consumed without proper cooking or cleaning.
When cross-contamination occurs, bacteria or other microorganisms can multiply on the contaminated food, increasing the risk of illness. Some bacteria, such as Salmonella, can cause severe symptoms like diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and fever.
To prevent cross-contamination and reduce the risk of foodborne illness, it is important to practice good hygiene, such as washing hands properly before and after handling raw food, using separate cutting boards and utensils for raw meat and other foods, and keeping raw and cooked foods separate in the refrigerator.