What is a common mistake that does NOT contribute to food-borne illness?

Inadequate temperature control is commonly associated with food-borne illness, but in this context, it is the choice that does not represent a mistake contributing to such illnesses when indicated as not being a common mistake. The other options relate directly to actions or omissions that lead to unsafe food handling practices.

For instance, failing to wash hands is a critical error that directly contributes to the spread of pathogens, as hands can carry harmful bacteria that can be transferred to food. Similarly, purchasing food from unsafe sources introduces the risk of contaminants and spoiled products entering the kitchen. Finally, not cooking food thoroughly can leave dangerous bacteria alive, posing a significant risk to health.

Thus, while inadequate temperature control is crucial in food safety, it may not be considered a personal mistake in the same way the other actions can be seen as direct oversight by individuals handling food.