After teaching measures to protect against food-borne illness, which client statement reflects ineffective learning?

• A. I will wash my cooking utensils and cutting boards with tap water
• B. I will wash my hands before handling food
• C. I will refrigerate perishable foods promptly
• D. I will cook foods to safe temperatures

Answer: (A)

Understanding how to prevent foodborne illness hinges on proper cleaning, handling, storage, and cooking of foods. Cleaning utensils and cutting boards isn’t just rinsing with tap water; bacteria can cling to surfaces and transfer to food. Effective cleaning uses hot, soapy water and, after cleaning, sanitizing to reduce any remaining germs. The statement about washing utensils with tap water shows incomplete learning because it overlooks the need for soap and a sanitizing step. In contrast, washing hands before handling food, refrigerating perishable foods promptly, and cooking foods to safe temperatures are all correct measures that reduce the risk of illness.