A separate area for ___ should be provided.

• A. De-boxing
• B. De-freezing
• C. Re-wrapping
• D. Cooking

Answer: (A)

Controlling cross-contamination from packaging is the focus. Providing a separate area for de-boxing means cartons and packaging are opened away from surfaces and ingredients that will be eaten, so any dust, cardboard fibers, adhesives, or potential residues from packaging don’t get onto food or onto utensils and work surfaces used for ready-to-eat items. It also makes it easier to dispose of packaging waste promptly and keep the main prep area cleaner and less cluttered, which reduces pest risks and simplifies cleaning. The other options involve processes that aren’t about handling unpacked packaging: thawing (de-freezing) is about preparing frozen foods, re-wrapping is repackaging after opening, and cooking is about heating food.