What strategy can effectively prevent cross-contamination in food handling?

Selecting food that does not require prepping is an effective strategy for preventing cross-contamination in food handling. When food items require extensive preparation, there is an increased risk of transferring pathogens from raw to cooked or ready-to-eat foods. By opting for foods that are ready to use, the likelihood of handling raw ingredients that could contaminate other foods is minimized.

Purchasing prepared or pre-cut items can significantly streamline food service procedures while reducing the chance of mishandling during preparation. This practice supports food safety by reducing the number of steps involved in food handling, thus limiting the opportunities for bacteria and allergens to transfer between food types.