Which method is effective for preventing cross-contamination in food handling?

Using separate utensils for raw and cooked foods is an effective method for preventing cross-contamination in food handling. This practice helps to ensure that harmful bacteria and pathogens present in raw foods, especially meats, do not transfer to cooked foods that are ready to eat. By using distinct tools such as cutting boards, knives, and serving utensils for each category of food, the risk of cross-contamination is minimized, promoting food safety and health.

Proper food safety protocols emphasize that different utensils reduce the likelihood of bacteria spreading from raw foods to those that have been properly cooked and are safe for consumption. This method aligns with best practices in food safety guidelines which stress the importance of keeping raw and cooked items separate throughout the food preparation process.