Which of the following is a key element of food hygiene?

Keeping raw and cooked foods separate is essential for maintaining food hygiene because it significantly reduces the risk of cross-contamination. When raw foods, especially meats, are in contact with cooked or ready-to-eat foods, harmful bacteria can transfer from the raw items to those that are safe to consume. This cross-contamination is a leading cause of foodborne illnesses.

By storing raw foods separately and preparing them on separate surfaces or using different utensils, the likelihood of pathogens spreading from raw foods to cooked foods is minimized. Practicing this separation helps ensure that cooked foods remain safe for consumption, aligning with best practices in food safety and hygiene.