What is a critical step when handling raw meat to avoid cross-contamination?

Using separate cutting boards is crucial when handling raw meat to avoid cross-contamination. This practice prevents harmful bacteria, which might be present on raw meat, from being transferred to ready-to-eat foods or other ingredients that won't be cooked further. By having dedicated cutting boards for raw meat, it reduces the risk of foodborne illnesses since any bacteria from the raw meat will not contaminate other food items.

While storing raw meat away from other foods and washing hands after handling it are also important food safety practices, they do not address the direct contact issue that can occur during food preparation. Defrosting raw meat on the countertop can lead to bacteria growth, as it allows the outer layer of the meat to reach temperatures that can promote bacterial multiplication, making this method unsafe. Hence, using separate cutting boards stands out as a critical step in the prevention of cross-contamination.