Answer :
Final answer:
To prevent cross-contamination when switching from cutting raw meat to cutting potatoes, thoroughly clean and sanitize the cutting board, knife, and utensils before using them on potatoes. Use a plastic cutting board for easier cleaning. Always wash hands between handling different foods.
Explanation:
When cutting raw meat on a cutting board and then needing to cut potatoes, it's crucial to prevent cross-contamination. To do so, one should thoroughly clean and sanitize the cutting board after preparing raw meat and before using it to prepare other foods such as potatoes. This is because raw foods like meat can contain harmful bacteria such as Salmonella, which pose a risk of contaminating other foods that come into contact with the same surfaces.
Using a plastic cutting board is recommended because they are easier to clean and disinfect compared to wooden cutting boards that have cracks where germs can hide. Besides cleaning the cutting board, it is also advised to wash the knife and any other utensils used with meat before using them with vegetables or other ready-to-eat foods. Always wash your hands after handling raw meat and before touching other foods to minimize the risk of spreading pathogens.
As demonstrated in Figure 21.18, 21.19, and 6.24, pathogens like the potato spindle tuber viroid can be spread through contaminated tools, showcasing the importance of cleanliness in food preparation to avoid health risks.