Which action directly helps prevent cross-contamination when moving from raw meat to other foods?

• A. Defrost meat at room temperature
• B. Wash hands thoroughly
• C. Use same cutting board for everything
• D. Place raw meat near cooked foods

Answer: (B)

Preventing cross-contamination hinges on stopping the transfer of bacteria from raw meat to other foods, surfaces, or utensils. Washing hands thoroughly after handling raw meat removes any bacteria that may be on the skin, so you don’t carry them to ready-to-eat foods or clean surfaces. This direct action interrupts the contamination pathway before it can spread, which is why it’s the best safeguard when moving from raw meat to other foods.

Other practices can still pose risks. Defrosting meat at room temperature lets bacteria multiply, increasing danger. Using the same cutting board for raw and ready-to-eat foods provides a route for bacteria to transfer, and placing raw meat near cooked foods creates proximity for contamination. Keeping hands clean is the most immediate, effective step to prevent those transfers.