Cross contamination occurs when:

Cross-contamination occurs when bacteria or other microorganisms are transferred from one food item to another, which can lead to foodborne illnesses. This situation typically arises when raw foods, especially meats, and their juices come into contact with ready-to-eat foods through improper handling or preparation practices.

In kitchens, it's crucial to maintain separate surfaces and utensils for different types of food to prevent this transfer. For example, using the same cutting board for raw chicken and vegetables without proper cleaning can introduce harmful bacteria from the chicken to the vegetables, increasing the risk of illness when consumed.

While improper storage, high cooking temperatures, and lack of equipment sanitation can contribute to food safety issues, they do not specifically define cross-contamination. Preventing cross-contamination is essential in food safety protocols to ensure that food remains safe for consumption.