Which of the following preps is vital to preventing cross-contamination in the kitchen?

Using separate cutting boards for raw meat and vegetables is vital to preventing cross-contamination in the kitchen because it helps ensure that harmful bacteria from raw meat do not come into contact with vegetables, which are often consumed raw. This separation is important because pathogens found in raw meat, such as Salmonella or E. coli, can lead to serious foodborne illnesses if transferred to ready-to-eat foods like vegetables.

Maintaining distinct cutting boards for different food categories minimizes the risk of cross-contamination during food preparation. It's essential not only to use separate boards but also to clean and sanitize them thoroughly after use to eliminate any potential bacterial transfer.

The other choices do not effectively address the serious risk of cross-contamination. Washing hands only once a day is inadequate, as frequent hand washing is critical in a food-prep environment to reduce germs. Keeping all food on the same shelf can lead to cross-contamination if raw and cooked foods are stored together, creating opportunities for bacteria to spread. Storing raw meat next to cooked foods directly increases contamination risks, as the juices from raw meat can easily contaminate ready-to-eat foods.