Which of the following is an effective way to prevent foodborne illness?

Using separate cutting boards for raw meats and vegetables is an effective way to prevent foodborne illness because it helps to avoid cross-contamination. Raw meats can harbor harmful bacteria such as Salmonella or E. coli, which can easily spread to other foods, particularly those that are ready to eat, like vegetables. By using distinct cutting boards for different food types, you minimize the risk of these contaminants transferring from raw meat to vegetables, which could lead to foodborne illnesses once consumed.

In contrast, cooking food to any temperature does not guarantee safety, as some pathogens require specific minimum temperatures to be effectively killed. Allowing food to cool at room temperature can result in bacteria multiplying to unsafe levels, and washing hands only before eating does not account for the need to wash hands after handling raw foods, which is crucial for food safety practices. Therefore, the practice of using separate cutting boards is a fundamental preventive measure in maintaining food safety.