National Occupational Competency Testing Institute (NOCTI) Culinary Practice Exam

What should be done if raw meat and vegetables are prepared on the same cutting board?

1. Double sanitize the board

2. Use a different knife for each

3. Discard the vegetables

4. Wash and sanitize the board thoroughly

The correct answer is: Wash and sanitize the board thoroughly

The reason for thoroughly washing and sanitizing the cutting board after raw meat and vegetables have been prepared on it is rooted in food safety practices. Cross-contamination is a significant concern in food preparation, as pathogens from raw meat can be transferred to vegetables, which may not be cooked before consumption. By washing and sanitizing the board, you effectively remove any harmful bacteria that may have been transferred, ensuring that the surfaces are safe for preparing ready-to-eat foods. This practice adheres to the food safety guidelines recommended by health authorities, which emphasize the importance of keeping food preparation areas clean and preventing contamination. Using a different knife for each or double sanitizing the board are not comprehensive steps, as they do not address the need to clean the board itself before switching tasks. Discarding the vegetables would be an excessive response when proper sanitation can eliminate the risk. Thus, washing and sanitizing the board thoroughly is the best course of action to ensure food safety.