Which of the following is an effective way to avoid cross-contamination?

An effective way to avoid cross-contamination is to wash hands after preparing each ingredient. This practice is crucial because hands can transfer harmful bacteria from one type of food to another, especially from raw products that may harbor pathogens, such as meat and poultry. Proper handwashing helps to eliminate these contaminants before you handle other food items, thus significantly reducing the risk of cross-contamination.

Maintaining separate utensils and surfaces while preparing food is fundamental in a kitchen setting to further minimize this risk. By washing hands after handling each ingredient, especially raw foods, individuals in a food preparation area create a safer environment for themselves and customers by preventing the spread of foodborne illnesses.