Which of the following is a critical step in preventing cross-contamination?

Keeping raw meat separate from other foods is essential in preventing cross-contamination because raw meats can harbor harmful bacteria, such as Salmonella or E. coli. When raw meat comes into contact with other foods, especially those that are not cooked before consumption, it can transfer these pathogens, leading to foodborne illnesses. By ensuring that raw meat is stored and prepared separately, you can significantly reduce the risk of these harmful microorganisms spreading to other foods.

The other scenarios present practices that would increase the risk of cross-contamination. For instance, using the same knife for all food items without proper cleaning could allow for bacteria from raw meat to transfer to ready-to-eat foods. Not washing hands before food preparation can also introduce contaminants that may be present on hands into the food. Leaving food uncovered exposes it to potential contaminants from the environment, increasing the likelihood of cross-contamination.