Which action is important during food preparation to avoid food contamination?

Cleaning cutting boards after each use is crucial during food preparation to prevent cross-contamination. When food is prepared on surfaces that have been in contact with raw ingredients, such as meats or unwashed produce, pathogens can transfer to other foods that are later placed on the same surface. Regularly cleaning and sanitizing cutting boards eliminates these harmful microorganisms, ensuring that the food being prepared is safe to eat.

In the context of food safety practices, maintaining a clean and sanitized work environment is key to preventing foodborne illnesses. Therefore, the action of routinely cleaning cutting boards helps create a safer food preparation process. This practice can significantly reduce the risk of contaminating cooked or ready-to-eat foods with harmful bacteria that may have come from raw items.