What safety measure is recommended for preventing cross-contamination?

Keeping raw meats separate from ready-to-eat foods is a fundamental safety measure in preventing cross-contamination. This practice minimizes the risk of harmful bacteria and pathogens from raw meats transferring to foods that are ready to be consumed, such as salads, fruits, and cooked meals. When raw meats come into contact with other foods, it can lead to foodborne illnesses, which can be especially severe.

In food preparation areas, using separate cutting boards, utensils, and storage areas for raw and cooked foods is crucial to maintain food safety. This separation is a part of the HACCP (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point) principles that are widely adopted in food service and handling operations to ensure health and safety standards are met.