What does the term "cross-contamination" refer to in food safety?

The term "cross-contamination" specifically refers to the transfer of harmful bacteria from one food item or surface to another. This can occur in various ways, such as using the same cutting board for raw meat and vegetables without proper cleaning in between, or using utensils that have come into contact with contaminated food.

Understanding cross-contamination is crucial in food safety because it highlights how easily pathogens can spread and lead to foodborne illnesses. By preventing cross-contamination, food preparation practices improve safety and reduce the risk of sickness.

The other choices describe different food safety issues. Cooking food multiple times does not directly relate to how bacteria are transferred. Mixing different food items can pose certain risks but does not inherently mean there is a transfer of harmful bacteria. Storing food in inappropriate conditions, while important to food safety, pertains to temperature and environment rather than the transfer of microorganisms.