What is the scientific reason for keeping raw and cooked foods separate?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: To prevent microorganisms from transferring to cooked food
Raw meat, poultry, eggs, seafood, and unwashed produce may carry disease-causing microorganisms. If they contact cooked or ready-to-eat food, microbes can transfer through hands, knives, cutting boards, containers, or leaking juices; this is cross-contamination. Cooking may destroy many organisms, but a cooked food can become contaminated again after cooking. Therefore raw and cooked foods must be separated during storage and preparation.
Frequently asked questions
What is the correct answer to this question?
To prevent microorganisms from transferring to cooked food
Why is this the correct answer?
Raw meat, poultry, eggs, seafood, and unwashed produce may carry disease-causing microorganisms. If they contact cooked or ready-to-eat food, microbes can transfer through hands, knives, cutting boards, containers, or leaking juices; this is cross-contamination. Cooking may destroy many organisms, but a cooked food can become contaminated again after cooking. Therefore raw and cooked foods must be separated during storage and preparation.
Which subject and chapter does this question cover?
This is a Class 11 Home Science question. Chapter: Concerns and Needs in Diverse Contexts. Topic: Principles of environmental, personal, and food hygiene.
