Final answer:
True, washing and rinsing a cutting board can prevent cross-contamination, but sanitization is necessary for effectively reducing microbes to safe levels. It is critical to prevent the spread of foodborne diseases by properly cleaning and cooking food.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that washing and rinsing a cutting board will prevent it from cross-contaminating the next product placed on it is True. Proper cleaning is essential to remove potential microbes that can cause foodborne illnesses. However, it's important to note that simply washing with soap and water may not be enough; sanitization is necessary to effectively reduce microbial presence to safe levels. Sanitization, as compared to basic washing, often involves using chemical solutions or heat treatments to ensure the object is free of harmful microorganisms.
Cross-contamination is a significant risk in food preparation areas. If a cutting board has been used to prepare raw foods known to harbor bacteria such as Salmonella—like poultry, meat, or eggs—it must be cleaned and sanitized before being used to prepare ready-to-eat foods. Likewise, to avoid ingesting harmful bacteria, food must be cooked to the right temperature, at least 74 degrees C (165 degrees F), and regular handwashing is crucial in preventing the spread of foodborne diseases.