What is one way to avoid cross-contact of allergens in food preparation?

To avoid cross-contact of allergens in food preparation, thoroughly cleaning surfaces and tools is essential. This practice ensures that any remnants of allergenic ingredients are removed, which prevents them from inadvertently contaminating other foods that do not contain those allergens. When preparation equipment, utensils, and cooking surfaces are cleaned properly, the risk of cross-contact is significantly reduced, helping to protect individuals with food allergies from potential reactions.

Additionally, using shared utensils or storing all food items together can lead to unintentional mixing of allergens. Throwing away leftover food may not address the primary concern of cross-contact and may simply waste food without solving the contamination issue. Therefore, maintaining rigorous cleaning protocols is the most effective strategy in preventing allergens from coming into contact with foods that could trigger allergic reactions.