What practice helps to prevent cross-contamination in the kitchen?

Using separate cutting boards for raw meats and vegetables is a crucial practice to prevent cross-contamination in the kitchen. This approach ensures that harmful bacteria from raw meat do not come into contact with vegetables, which are often consumed raw. Cross-contamination can lead to foodborne illnesses, making it essential to have distinct surfaces for different types of food.

Separating cutting boards helps maintain food safety standards by minimizing the risk of transferring pathogens from one type of food to another. This method aligns with food safety regulations and best practices in food preparation, promoting a cleaner and safer kitchen environment.

While washing hands frequently is vital for personal hygiene and overall food safety, it does not directly address the specific risks associated with surfaces used for food preparation. Similarly, cooking at high temperatures is important for killing bacteria but does not prevent contamination before cooking. Using a single cutting board for all ingredients increases the risk of cross-contamination rather than mitigating it.