What is the suitable action when handling food allergens?

Using separate utensils for allergen foods is crucial in preventing cross-contamination. This practice helps ensure that allergens do not come into contact with non-allergen foods, which is essential for the safety of individuals with food allergies. Cross-contamination can occur when allergens transfer from one food item or surface to another, potentially leading to severe allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.

By dedicating specific utensils for allergenic ingredients, food handlers can effectively minimize the risk of contamination. This includes using separate cutting boards, knives, and other cooking tools. Additionally, proper cleaning protocols should be followed to further eliminate any traces of allergens.

The other options suggest practices that could result in increased risks. For instance, storing allergens in the same area as non-allergens can lead to unintentional cross-contact. Suggesting that allergen foods should never be frozen is inaccurate, as freezing can be a safe method of preserving many allergenic foods. Finally, stating that cross-contamination is permissible is fundamentally wrong in food safety, as it directly contradicts the principles aimed at protecting the health of individuals with food allergies.