Cross-contamination can occur when?

Cross-contamination occurs when harmful microorganisms or allergens are transferred from one surface or food item to another, potentially causing foodborne illness. The scenario where raw meats touch cooked foods is a prime example of cross-contamination because raw meats can carry pathogens like Salmonella or E. coli. When these raw meats come into contact with cooked foods, which are ready to eat and free of pathogens, the harmful bacteria can be transferred. This is particularly dangerous because the cooked foods will not be subjected to any further cooking that would kill these pathogens, increasing the risk of illness.

Using separate cutting boards for raw and cooked foods, washing hands regularly, and rinsing fruits before cutting are all practices designed to prevent cross-contamination. These actions help maintain food safety and hygiene, significantly reducing the risk of harmful bacteria spreading from one food item to another. Thus, the situation described in the question demonstrates an actual risk of cross-contamination, highlighting the importance of proper food handling techniques.