What is one of the major concerns associated with cross-contamination?

The major concern associated with cross-contamination is the transfer of allergens. In a food safety context, cross-contamination occurs when allergens from one food are unintentionally transferred to another food, which can pose a serious health risk to individuals with food allergies. This can happen through various means, such as using the same cutting board or utensils for different foods without proper cleaning. For those with allergies, even minute amounts of an allergen can trigger severe reactions, making it essential to prevent cross-contamination in food preparation environments.

The other options, while related to food quality or characteristics, do not highlight the health risk that cross-contamination presents in terms of allergenic reactions. The focus on allergen transfer emphasizes the importance of safe food handling practices to protect vulnerable consumers.