A food worker is preparing an allergen-free meal. He has washed his hands and changed gloves. What step should he take next to prevent cross-contact?

To prevent cross-contact while preparing an allergen-free meal, the food worker should take the following steps:

1. Use Clean Utensils and Equipment: It is crucial for the food worker to use clean cutting boards, knives, and any other utensils that have not come into contact with allergenic foods. This helps to ensure that no residues from allergenic foods are transferred to the allergen-free meal.

2. Clean All Surfaces: Before preparing the allergen-free meal, the worker should thoroughly clean and sanitize any surfaces where the meal will be prepared. This includes countertops, tables, and any equipment that was previously used to prepare foods with allergens.

3. Avoid Cross-Contact with Ingredients: While gathering ingredients, the worker should take care to avoid any items that may cause cross-contact. This includes checking labels and being mindful of storage to ensure that allergenic ingredients are not mixed with the allergen-free items.

4. Use Separate Containers: If possible, the worker should use separate containers for allergen-free ingredients. This further minimizes the risk of unintentional cross-contact.

Taking the above measures will significantly reduce the risk of cross-contact and help ensure the meal remains safe for individuals with food allergies.