Which term best describes the contamination that results from the spread of bacteria from meat to vegetables during food preparation?

• A. Fermentation
• B. Cross-contamination
• C. Sterilization
• D. Pasteurization

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the context of the problem: it involves bacteria spreading from one food item (meat) to another (vegetables) during food preparation.
2. Recall the definitions of the terms given: Fermentation is a metabolic process involving microorganisms; Sterilization is the complete elimination of all microorganisms; Pasteurization is a heat treatment to reduce pathogens.
3. Identify that the problem describes the transfer of bacteria from one surface or food to another, which is a form of contamination.
4. Recognize that the term for contamination caused by the transfer of bacteria from one food item to another is called 'cross-contamination'.
5. Conclude that 'cross-contamination' best fits the description of bacteria spreading from meat to vegetables during food preparation.