Cross-contamination can be prevented by using which of the following tools?

Cross-contamination can lead to foodborne illnesses and is a critical concern in food safety. The correct answer highlights that both surface probes and thermometers play vital roles in preventing cross-contamination.

Surface probes are used to check the temperature of food surfaces to ensure they are within safe ranges, which helps to avoid the growth of harmful bacteria. By monitoring the temperature of surfaces that come in contact with food, staff can ensure that these surfaces are adequately cleaned and sanitized, thereby reducing the risk of contamination between raw and cooked foods.

Thermometers, on the other hand, are essential for ensuring that all foods are cooked to their proper internal temperatures. By verifying that food reaches the necessary temperatures, thermometers help prevent the survival of pathogens that could cause illness.

Together, these tools are instrumental in maintaining safe food handling practices, ensuring that surfaces and foods are kept free from harmful contaminants, which is crucial in any food service operation.