What is a crucial step to prevent cross-contamination in food storage?

Covering and sealing all food products is a crucial step in preventing cross-contamination in food storage because it effectively creates a barrier that protects food from exposure to contaminants that can come from other foods, surfaces, or the environment. When food is properly covered, it minimizes the risk of harmful pathogens, bacteria, or allergens from getting into the foods that are prepared and served.

In a kitchen environment, such as IHOP, it is especially important to keep foods sealed to ensure that each product maintains its integrity and safety for consumption. This practice helps maintain hygiene standards and complies with food safety regulations, which is vital in preventing foodborne illnesses.

The other options do not provide the necessary safeguards against cross-contamination. Using ice in storage might be relevant for temperature control but does not prevent cross-contamination. Removing food labels can increase the risk of misidentification, leading to unsafe practices, and storing raw meat with vegetables is a direct way to cause cross-contamination, as raw meat can harbor bacteria that could contaminate other foods.