What is the best way to prevent cross-contamination?

Cleaning and sanitizing workstations and utensils regularly is fundamental to preventing cross-contamination. This practice ensures that surfaces and tools used for food preparation do not harbor harmful bacteria or allergens that could transfer to food items during the cooking process. Regular cleaning removes food residues and pathogens, while sanitizing reduces the number of microorganisms to safe levels.

While changing gloves every hour, avoiding raw food entirely, and using disposable products can contribute to food safety, they do not specifically address the direct methods by which cross-contamination occurs. Cleaning and sanitizing tackle one of the root causes by ensuring that the equipment and surfaces are maintained properly, which is essential in any food handling environment. This proactive approach is critical in restaurants, catering, and even home kitchens to minimize foodborne illnesses effectively.