A cook was preparing a cucumber salad on the same surface that was used to prepare raw chicken. What would be the most probable reason for a salmonellosis outbreak?

The most probable reason for a salmonellosis outbreak in this scenario is cross-contamination. When the cook prepares a cucumber salad on the same surface that was previously used for raw chicken, there is a substantial risk of transferring harmful bacteria, such as Salmonella, from the raw chicken to the fresh vegetables. Cross-contamination occurs when pathogens are transferred from one food item to another, especially when they are not adequately cleaned between uses.

In food safety practices, it is crucial to use separate cutting boards and utensils for raw meat and ready-to-eat foods to prevent the spread of bacteria. While unwashed chicken or unwashed cucumbers could also pose risks, the presence of raw chicken on the preparation surface is a direct and immediate cause of concern for cross-contamination, which can lead to foodborne illness if the pathogens are ingested through the salad. Inadequate refrigeration addresses the storage of food rather than the immediate mixing of raw and ready-to-eat items, making it less relevant in this particular scenario.