Which practice could cause cross-contact with one of the eight major food allergens?

• A. Using separate pans for each allergen-free dish
• B. Frying French fries in the same oil as chicken nuggets
• C. Cooking with clean utensils
• D. Washing hands before handling food

Answer: (B)

Cross-contact happens when allergen proteins transfer from one food or surface to another, so that an item that should be allergen-free becomes contaminated. Frying French fries in the same oil as chicken nuggets is the scenario that allows those allergen proteins to move into the fries, even if the fries themselves don’t contain the allergen as an ingredient. Tiny protein particles can cling to oil and survive cooking, so contamination can occur across batches. Using separate pans, cooking with clean utensils, and washing hands help prevent this transfer, while fry oil shared between allergen-containing and allergen-free foods creates a direct route for cross-contact.