Which practice is crucial for preventing cross-contamination?

Maintaining proper food safety practices is essential to prevent cross-contamination, which can lead to foodborne illnesses. Changing gloves between handling raw and cooked foods is crucial because it prevents pathogens present on raw foods, such as bacteria from meats or seafood, from transferring to cooked or ready-to-eat items. This practice is a key part of maintaining a clean and safe food preparation environment.

When gloves are changed, it ensures that any contaminants that may exist on the surface of raw food items are not inadvertently transferred to foods that will be consumed without further cooking. This step in food safety is part of a comprehensive approach that includes proper hand hygiene, surface sanitation, and the use of separate utensils and equipment for different types of food.