Dietetic Technician Practice Test

In terms of food sanitation, what is the primary concern with using a cutting board for both raw meat and ready-to-eat foods?

1. Potential cross-contamination

2. Inadequate cleaning of the board

3. Poor knife hygiene

4. Lack of proper storage

The correct answer is: Potential cross-contamination

The primary concern with using a cutting board for both raw meat and ready-to-eat foods is potential cross-contamination. When raw meat is prepared on a cutting board, harmful pathogens such as bacteria can transfer to the surface of the board. If that same board is subsequently used for ready-to-eat foods—such as vegetables or cooked meats—without proper cleaning in between, these pathogens can contaminate the ready-to-eat items, increasing the risk of foodborne illness. Preventing cross-contamination is crucial in food safety practices. It ensures that the microorganisms from raw meat do not come into contact with food that will not be cooked before consumption, which makes proper sanitation practices essential. While inadequate cleaning of the board and poor knife hygiene can contribute to sanitation issues, the most significant and immediate risk arises from the direct transfer of harmful organisms between raw and ready-to-eat foods. Additionally, lack of proper storage pertains more to how food items are kept rather than the immediate concern of contamination during preparation. Therefore, potential cross-contamination is the key risk factor to be addressed.