Final answer:
Prevent cross-contamination by washing hands before and after handling food, using separate cutting boards for raw meats and vegetables, cleaning kitchen surfaces, storing raw meats separately, and cooking foods to the proper temperature.
Step-by-step explanation:
To prevent cross-contamination while preparing food, one can follow these five essential practices: Always wash hands thoroughly before and after handling different types of food, especially when switching from raw to ready-to-eat foods.Use separate cutting boards for raw meats and ready-to-eat foods like vegetables or fruits to avoid the transfer of microbes. Regularly clean and sanitize kitchen utensils, cutting boards, and countertops that come into contact with raw food. Proper food storage is crucial. Keep raw meats, poultry, and seafood separate from other foods in the refrigerator. Ensure that food is cooked to a safe internal temperature to kill harmful bacteria. Use a food thermometer to verify that the food has reached at least 74 degrees C (165 degrees F).Cross contamination can be prevented while preparing food by following these 5 practices:Separate raw and ready-to-eat foods: Keep raw meats, poultry, and seafood separate from ready-to-eat foods to prevent bacteria transfer.
Use separate cutting boards and utensils for different types of food. Proper hand hygiene: Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water before and after handling food. This helps to remove any potential bacteria on hands. Use separate cleaning cloths: Use different cloths or sponges for cleaning food preparation surfaces and cleaning other areas of the kitchen to avoid cross-contamination. Cook food to the proper temperature: Use a food thermometer to ensure that food is cooked to the correct internal temperature, which will kill any harmful bacteria. Proper food storage: Store raw meat, poultry, and seafood in sealed containers or bags to prevent any juices from dripping onto other foods in the refrigerator.