What is one of the four essential steps to prevent cross-contamination in food preparation?

Cooking is one of the four essential steps to prevent cross-contamination in food preparation because it effectively kills harmful pathogens that may be present in raw foods. When foods, particularly meats, are cooked to the appropriate safe internal temperature, any bacteria or viruses that could cause foodborne illnesses are eliminated. This step is vital in the food safety process, as cross-contamination can occur when raw foods come into contact with cooked foods or other surfaces, leading to the spread of pathogens.

The other steps to prevent cross-contamination usually include cleaning, separation, and proper storage, but in this context, cooking is foundational. Seasoning, freezing, and serving do not address the immediate risk of pathogens that cooking mitigates, making it less effective as a preventive measure against cross-contamination.