What should be done with food that has come into contact with contaminated surfaces?

When food has come into contact with contaminated surfaces, the safest practice is to throw it away. This is because contamination can lead to foodborne illnesses, which can occur even if the food appears to be safe. Pathogens can transfer from the contaminated surface to the food, and these harmful microorganisms can multiply, especially if the food is not cooked or stored properly afterward.

While cleaning the surface may reduce some contaminants, it does not guarantee the food is safe, as pathogens can be difficult to eliminate fully. Attempting to reuse the food or putting it back in storage increases the risk of exposure to harmful bacteria that can thrive under certain conditions.

Cooking food at a higher temperature may kill some pathogens, but it does not guarantee that all toxins produced by bacteria or the risks associated with cross-contamination have been eliminated. The safest choice is to discard any food that has been in contact with contaminated surfaces to prevent foodborne illness.