Why must washed vegetables be kept separate from unwashed vegetables?

Washing vegetables is crucial for removing dirt, bacteria, and other contaminants. Here's why you must keep washed vegetables separate from unwashed ones:

Cross-contamination:

* Unwashed vegetables carry germs: Unwashed vegetables can harbor harmful bacteria like Salmonella, E. coli, and Listeria.

* Germs can transfer: When washed and unwashed vegetables touch, the germs from the unwashed ones can transfer to the clean ones, contaminating them.

* Risk of food poisoning: Consuming contaminated vegetables can lead to food poisoning, causing symptoms like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal cramps.

Preventing the spread of germs:

* Keeping them separate minimizes the risk of contamination: Storing washed and unwashed vegetables in separate containers or areas helps prevent cross-contamination.

* Washing hands is essential: Always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before and after handling vegetables, especially if you've been handling unwashed ones.

In short, keeping washed and unwashed vegetables separate is a vital step in ensuring food safety and preventing the spread of harmful bacteria.