What is the definition of cross-contamination?

Cross-contamination is defined as the transfer of harmful bacteria or substances from one food item to another. This typically occurs when raw foods, especially meats, come into contact with ready-to-eat foods, which can lead to foodborne illnesses. It's essential to understand that preventing cross-contamination is a critical practice in food safety, as it helps mitigate the risk of pathogens being transferred and causing harm to consumers.

The other choices do not accurately describe cross-contamination. Cooking food at high temperatures relates more to the process of killing bacteria rather than the transfer of them. Safe food storage pertains to maintaining proper temperatures and conditions for different food types, which is a separate aspect of food safety. Lastly, methods for cleaning kitchen surfaces focus on sanitation rather than the transfer of contaminants between food items. Understanding cross-contamination is vital for anyone involved in food handling and preparation, as it is a key part of promoting food safety and protecting public health.