Final answer:
The hazard of using the same cutting board for raw chicken and lettuce is cross-contamination, which can lead to foodborne illnesses due to the transfer of bacteria from the chicken to the lettuce.
Step-by-step explanation:
Cross-Contamination Hazard:
Using the same cutting board for raw chicken and lettuce represents a cross-contamination hazard. Raw chicken often contains harmful bacteria like Salmonella and Campylobacter jejuni, which can easily be transferred to the lettuce, a ready-to-eat food. This poses a significant health risk since the lettuce will not go through a cooking process that could kill these microorganisms. In environments where raw meat and vegetables are handled, it is essential to use separate cutting boards or to clean them thoroughly between uses to prevent the spread of these bacteria.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have reported several foodborne illness outbreaks linked to vegetables contaminated with pathogens typically found in raw animal products. These instances emphasize the importance of careful food handling to prevent illnesses caused by strains like E. coli O157:H7 and other harmful bacteria.