Food Safety Certification Practice Test

What does cross-contamination refer to in food safety?

1. Cooking food at incorrect temperatures

2. Transferring hazardous substances between food items

3. Inadequate handwashing practices

4. Improper food storage methods

The correct answer is: Transferring hazardous substances between food items

Cross-contamination in food safety specifically refers to the transfer of harmful microorganisms or hazardous substances from one food item to another. This often occurs when raw foods, such as meats, come into contact with ready-to-eat foods, potentially leading to foodborne illnesses. Effective food safety practices aim to prevent this type of contamination by using separate cutting boards, utensils, and storage containers for different types of foods. While other choices highlight important food safety issues—like cooking food at incorrect temperatures or inadequate handwashing practices—they do not specifically define cross-contamination. Each of these practices contributes to overall food safety, but they address different aspects of handling food rather than the transfer of contaminants between items.