Food Safety Certification Practice Test

Which of the following is NOT a method to prevent foodborne illness?

1. Proper cooking of foods

2. Ignoring expiration dates

3. Maintaining clean cooking environments

4. Regularly checking food temperatures

The correct answer is: Ignoring expiration dates

Ignoring expiration dates is a behavior that can lead to foodborne illness, making it not a method for preventing such illness. Expiration dates help consumers understand how long a food product is safe to consume. When products are consumed past their expiration date, they may not only be less nutritious but could also pose a risk of spoilage or bacterial growth, both of which can lead to foodborne illness. In contrast, the other options are core practices to ensure food safety. Proper cooking of foods kills harmful bacteria that can cause illness, maintaining clean cooking environments minimizes the risk of contamination from surfaces and utensils, and regularly checking food temperatures ensures that food is cooked to the right temperature to eliminate pathogens. Each of these practices contributes significantly to reducing the risk of foodborne illnesses, highlighting the critical nature of food safety measures in culinary settings.