Which of the following is an example of cross contamination?

• A. Vegetables touching raw meat
• B. Cooking vegetables separately
• C. Freezing meat before cooking
• D. Storing foods in the fridge

Answer: (A)

Cross contamination happens when bacteria or other pathogens move from one food to another, often from raw meat to foods that won’t be cooked before eating. In this example, vegetables touch raw meat, so juices or direct contact can transfer bacteria onto the vegetables. Since many vegetables are eaten raw or not fully cooked, this can lead to illness. That direct transfer from raw meat to produce is the clearest illustration of cross contamination.

The other situations describe good food-safety practices or separate steps (like cooking, freezing, or storing) and do not involve the transfer of contaminants between foods.