Define “allergen cross-contact.”

The definition of “allergen cross-contact” refers specifically to the situation where a surface or food item that contains an allergen makes contact with another food, leading to the unintended transfer of that allergen. This can occur in various ways, such as using the same cutting board for allergen-containing foods and other foods without proper cleaning in between, or through shared utensils.

Understanding allergen cross-contact is crucial in food safety, particularly for individuals with food allergies, as even trace amounts of an allergen can trigger severe reactions. This definition emphasizes the importance of maintaining strict protocols for food preparation and serving to prevent any cross-contact that could compromise the safety of allergic consumers.

Other options describe related but distinct concepts: serving different food items together does not imply allergen transfer, separating allergens in storage is a preventative measure against cross-contact rather than a definition of the phenomenon, and incorrect labeling may lead to misunderstandings about allergens but does not involve physical transfer between food items.