Which method is NOT effective in preventing cross-contamination?

Rinsing food contact surfaces in between tasks may not be an effective method for preventing cross-contamination. The reason for this is that simply rinsing does not adequately remove all contaminants, such as bacteria or food particles, that may be present on the surface. Without thorough cleaning using appropriate sanitizers, there remains a risk of transferring contaminants from one type of food to another during subsequent food preparation tasks.

In contrast, using separate cutting boards for raw meats and vegetables significantly reduces the likelihood of cross-contamination since it physically separates different types of food that may harbor harmful bacteria. Storing food in airtight containers helps protect food from contaminants in the environment and can also prevent cross-contamination between different food items. Washing hands thoroughly before food preparation is essential in removing pathogens that could be transferred to food, thus protecting against cross-contamination. Each of these methods contributes effectively to maintaining food safety and hygiene standards.