Certified Professional Food Safety (CP-FS) Practice Exam

One method of preventing cross-contamination is to:

1. Store raw meat above ready-to-eat foods

2. Use separate cutting boards for raw and cooked foods

3. Always wash hands after handling vegetables

4. Keep all food items at room temperature

The correct answer is: Use separate cutting boards for raw and cooked foods

Using separate cutting boards for raw and cooked foods is an essential method for preventing cross-contamination. Raw foods, especially meats, often carry harmful bacteria that can easily transfer to other foods if they are prepared on the same surface. By using distinct cutting boards for different food categories, you minimize the risk of pathogens from raw foods contaminating ready-to-eat products, which are not cooked further and could lead to foodborne illnesses. This practice aligns with the principles of food safety, which emphasize controlling hazards through proper hygiene and safe food handling practices. The use of separate equipment also supports the broader goal of maintaining cleanliness in the kitchen and ensuring food safety. In contrast, storing raw meat above ready-to-eat foods poses a significant risk since any drips or spills from the raw meat can directly contaminate the foods that won't be cooked. Washing hands after handling vegetables is important for personal hygiene but does not address the specific concern of preventing cross-contamination between raw and cooked foods. Keeping all food items at room temperature can promote the growth of harmful bacteria, which is not a safe practice.