What does cross-contamination refer to in food safety?

Cross-contamination refers specifically to the transfer of bacteria or other pathogens from one food item to another. This can occur through various means, such as using the same cutting board or utensils for raw and cooked foods without proper cleaning in between. Understanding and preventing cross-contamination is crucial in food safety to avoid foodborne illnesses. It highlights the importance of maintaining proper hygiene practices in food preparation, ensuring that potential contaminants are not inadvertently introduced to safe food items.

The other concepts mentioned, such as preventing food spoilage, cooking food at the correct temperature, and safe food storage, though important elements of food safety, do not encompass the definition of cross-contamination. They address different aspects of handling food safely.