California eFoodHandlers Practice Exam

A foodworker has completed prepping chicken breasts on a prep table and is going to cut lettuce. What does the food worker need to do to prevent cross-contamination?

1. Wipe the table with a dry cloth

2. Just wash the knife

3. Put on new gloves without washing hands

4. Wash, rinse, and sanitize the prep table and knife, wash hands, and put on new gloves.

The correct answer is: Wash, rinse, and sanitize the prep table and knife, wash hands, and put on new gloves.

After handling raw chicken, it is important to follow proper sanitation procedures to prevent cross-contamination. Wiping the table with a dry cloth (A) will not effectively sanitize the surface. Just washing the knife (B) may not remove all bacteria or pathogens left behind on the knife from the raw chicken. Putting on new gloves without washing hands (C) can transfer any bacteria or pathogens from the hands onto the gloves, which can then contaminate the lettuce. The correct and most effective measure to prevent cross-contamination in this scenario is to wash, rinse, and sanitize the prep table and knife, wash hands, and put on new gloves (D). This ensures that all surfaces and tools are thoroughly cleaned and that the hands are properly washed before handling the lettuce.