Final answer:
Cross-contamination refers to the transfer of microbes from one food to another, which can result in foodborne illnesses. It is not limited to food allergens and cannot always be detected by taste. Good food safety practices are pivotal in preventing cross-contamination.
Step-by-step explanation:
Cross-contamination is a critical concept in ensuring food safety and preventing foodborne illnesses. It occurs when microbes are transferred from one food to another, often in a kitchen setting through shared utensils, cutting boards, or surfaces. Notably, raw foods such as eggs, poultry, and meat, which may contain bacteria like Salmonella, should never come into contact with ready-to-eat foods without appropriate cleaning protocols.
Regarding the student's question, the correct answer is (c) is when a food allergen comes in contact with other food. However, cross-contamination is not limited to allergens; it also pertains to the transfer of any harmful pathogens between foods. It is incorrect to assume that cross-contamination can be detected by taste (a), occurs only during food preparation (b), or can always be avoided (d) as it can happen at various stages and is not always detectable by simple observation or taste.
To prevent cross-contamination, it is important to follow food safety practices such as regular handwashing, using separate equipment for different types of food, and maintaining correct refrigerator temperatures.