What is cross-contamination?

Cross-contamination refers specifically to the transfer of harmful bacteria, allergens, or other contaminants from one food item to another. This can occur through various means, such as using the same cutting board or utensils for raw meat and vegetables without proper cleaning in between, or when juices from raw foods drip onto cooked foods. Understanding this concept is crucial in food safety practices to prevent foodborne illnesses and allergic reactions.

In the context of food safety, it's vital to recognize that the other options describe issues related to food handling but do not accurately define cross-contamination. Mixing different food items can occur in many food preparation processes, and while cooking at the wrong temperature or improper storage are significant concerns, they are not related to the exchange of contaminants between food items. This distinction clarifies why the transfer of harmful substances defines cross-contamination specifically.