California eFoodHandlers Practice Exam

Which of the following is most likely to cause foodborne illness?

1. Cooking food to the recommended temperature

2. Storing food at the correct temperature

3. Using separate cutting boards for different types of food

4. Bussing dirty dishes and then immediately preparing salad

The correct answer is: Bussing dirty dishes and then immediately preparing salad

Bussing dirty dishes and then immediately preparing salad is the most likely to cause foodborne illness because there is a higher chance of cross-contamination occurring. When dirty dishes are being handled and then food is prepared on the same surface without proper cleaning, any harmful bacteria from the dirty dishes could transfer onto the food, causing illness. Options A, B, and C are all examples of important food safety measures that can help prevent foodborne illness, but they are not the most likely cause. Cooking food to the recommended temperature and storing food at the correct temperature can kill or prevent the growth of harmful bacteria, and using separate cutting boards for different types of food can prevent cross-contamination. However, in the scenario of bussing dirty dishes and immediately preparing food on the same surface, there is a higher risk of harmful bacteria being present and causing illness.