How should meat and poultry be prepared to prevent cross-contamination?

Using separate cutting boards and utensils specifically for meat and poultry is crucial in preventing cross-contamination. Cross-contamination occurs when harmful bacteria from raw meats transfer to foods that are typically consumed raw, such as vegetables and fruits. By having dedicated cutting boards and utensils, you minimize the risk of transferring bacteria from these items to others, thereby helping to ensure food safety.

The importance of this practice is supported by food safety guidelines, which recommend that raw meat and poultry should be handled with strict separation from ready-to-eat foods. This approach is especially important in a busy kitchen environment, such as those found in commercial settings like Walmart.

Using separate equipment also makes it easier to effectively clean and sanitize the tools that come into contact with raw meat, further reducing the risk of cross-contamination. Overall, this practice is foundational in food safety and sanitation protocols, making it an essential step in preparing meat and poultry safely.