What term describes the spreading of bacteria or other pathogens from one food to another?

The term that describes the spreading of bacteria or other pathogens from one food to another is cross-contamination. This occurs when harmful microorganisms are unintentionally transferred from one surface or food to another, which can happen through direct contact or via utensils, cutting boards, or hands.

Understanding cross-contamination is crucial in food safety because it is a primary cause of foodborne illnesses. For instance, if raw meat is chopped on a cutting board and then vegetables are cut on the same board without proper cleaning in between, the bacteria from the meat can contaminate the vegetables, posing a health risk when consumed.

The other terms provide important context but are distinct concepts. Foodborne illness refers to the diseases caused by consuming contaminated food, while microbial growth focuses on the increase in bacteria and pathogens in food. Pathogen transfer is a more generic term and does not specifically emphasize the transfer occurring between different food items, which is central to the definition of cross-contamination.