Illinois Food Service License Practice Test

Which food safety practice should be followed when slicing raw fruits and vegetables?

1. Sharpen the knives periodically

2. Wash hands after slicing

3. Store sliced items in a warm area

4. Store raw fruits and vegetables above ground meat

The correct answer is: Sharpen the knives periodically

The correct response focuses on the importance of maintaining sharp knives in the kitchen. Keeping knives sharpened is essential because dull knives can cause slips or accidents, potentially leading to cuts or injuries. Moreover, a sharp knife provides cleaner cuts, which can contribute to food safety by minimizing the damage to the cells of the produce. This aspect helps in reducing the growth of bacteria and extending the freshness of the items being sliced. While it's true that washing hands after slicing is important for overall food safety, it does not specifically relate to the practice of slicing itself. Storage conditions for sliced items should prioritize keeping them in a cool and sanitized environment rather than a warm area, which can encourage bacterial growth. Additionally, when storing raw fruits and vegetables, it's vital to practice cross-contamination prevention by keeping them separate from ground meats, but that doesn't pertain to slicing practices directly. Thus, sharpening knives at regular intervals stands out as a vital safety measure in the context of food preparation.