New York City Food Protection Practice Test

What safety measure can help prevent cuts in a kitchen environment?

1. Using dull knives for safety

2. Keeping knives stored in drawers

3. Maintaining sharp knives and using proper techniques

4. Assigning knife duties to only one person

The correct answer is: Maintaining sharp knives and using proper techniques

Maintaining sharp knives and using proper techniques is essential for safety in a kitchen environment. When knives are sharp, they require less force to cut through food, which actually reduces the likelihood of slipping and causing accidents. A dull knife can lead to more pressure being applied, increasing the risk of losing control and resulting in cuts. Furthermore, using proper techniques, such as the correct grip and cutting motions, enhances control over the knife and the food being prepared. This combination of sharpness and technique allows for safer, more efficient cutting, ultimately reducing the risk of injury in the kitchen. The other options, while they may seem to have safety in mind, can actually contribute to unsafe practices. Dull knives compromise cutting control, and storing knives in drawers can lead to accidental cuts when reaching in. Limiting knife duties to only one person does not address the fundamental importance of using sharp knives and proper techniques that benefit all kitchen staff.