FOODSAFE Cross-Contamination Prevention

Question 1

What is cross-contamination in a food service context?

Accepted Answer

The transfer of harmful microorganisms or substances from one food, surface, or person to another

Answer

Mixing two different recipes together

Answer

Cooking two foods in the same oven

Answer

Serving food from different countries on the same plate

Question 2

Which is the most effective way to prevent cross-contamination between raw and ready-to-eat foods?

Accepted Answer

Using separate cutting boards, utensils, and storage areas for raw and ready-to-eat foods

Answer

Cooking both foods to the same temperature

Answer

Washing raw food before placing it near ready-to-eat food

Answer

Keeping both foods at the same temperature

Question 3

In a refrigerator, where should raw meats be stored relative to ready-to-eat foods?

Accepted Answer

On the lowest shelf, below ready-to-eat foods, to prevent dripping onto other items

Answer

On the top shelf above ready-to-eat foods

Answer

Mixed together on any shelf

Answer

In the door compartment

Question 4

A food handler uses a knife to cut raw chicken, rinses the knife under water, and then uses it to slice bread. Is this acceptable?

Accepted Answer

No, the knife must be washed with hot soapy water and sanitized before being used on ready-to-eat food

Answer

Yes, rinsing removes all bacteria

Answer

Yes, if the bread will be toasted

Answer

Yes, as long as the knife looks clean

Question 5

What is the purpose of colour-coded cutting boards in a commercial kitchen?

Accepted Answer

To visually identify which boards are used for specific food types, preventing cross-contamination

Answer

To match the kitchen decor

Answer

To indicate the age of each cutting board

Answer

To show which boards belong to which chef

Question 6

How does improper handling of wiping cloths contribute to cross-contamination?

Accepted Answer

Using the same cloth to wipe multiple surfaces without sanitizing between uses spreads bacteria from one surface to another

Answer

It does not — wiping cloths are always safe

Answer

Wiping cloths are only a problem if they are wet

Answer

Cross-contamination from cloths only occurs with paper towels