How can cross-contamination be avoided when preparing food?

Using separate cutting boards for raw protein and vegetables is crucial for avoiding cross-contamination in food preparation. This practice helps prevent harmful bacteria found in raw meats from coming into contact with ready-to-eat foods, such as vegetables, which can lead to foodborne illnesses. By designating specific cutting boards for different types of food, you significantly reduce the risk of cross-contamination, ensuring that each food item remains safe for consumption.

While washing hands frequently is an important hygiene practice, it does not directly address the physical separation of foods that could contaminate each other. Cooking food at high temperatures can kill bacteria but is more of a solution for ensuring food safety after contamination may have occurred. Soaking vegetables in vinegar may have some cleaning benefits, but it does not replace the need for proper separation of food items during preparation. Thus, using separate cutting boards is the most effective means of preventing cross-contamination directly during the food prep process.