Which of the following should be used to prevent cross-contamination?

Using separate utensils for different food types is crucial in preventing cross-contamination. Cross-contamination occurs when harmful bacteria or allergens are transferred from one food product to another, often through utensils, cutting boards, or hands. By utilizing distinct utensils for different types of food—especially raw meats and ready-to-eat items—one minimizes the risk of contaminating foods that won’t undergo further cooking. This practice is essential in maintaining food safety and ensuring that harmful pathogens do not spread between food categories.

The other options present practices that can lead to cross-contamination, such as using the same cutting board for all foods or storing fruits and vegetables with raw meat, which can easily transfer bacteria from the meat to other food items. Additionally, neglecting to clean surfaces can leave behind contaminants, further increasing the risk of cross-contamination. Therefore, the practice of using separate utensils effectively protects the integrity of different food types and promotes a safer food preparation environment.