Which of the following is an example of cross contamination?

Cross contamination occurs when harmful bacteria or microorganisms are transferred from one substance or surface to another, which can lead to foodborne illnesses. The example of allowing raw food to touch ready-to-eat food demonstrates this concept perfectly. Raw foods, particularly meats and seafood, can harbor pathogens that are dangerous if ingested. When raw food comes into contact with food that is ready to eat, such as prepared vegetables or cooked items, those pathogens can transfer to the ready-to-eat food. This may lead to serious health risks, as the ready-to-eat food does not undergo any further cooking to kill the bacteria.

In contrast, practices such as washing hands before cooking, adding clean ingredients to a dish, and cooking food until it reaches the appropriate internal temperature are measures designed to prevent cross contamination and ensure food safety. These actions help mitigate the risk of foodborne illnesses, emphasizing the importance of proper food handling and hygiene in the kitchen.