Which of the following food allergens must be considered in food preparation?

The selection of milk, eggs, soy, and wheat as the correct answer highlights important food allergens recognized by health authorities, including the FDA. These allergens are among the eight major food allergens that are known to cause the majority of allergic reactions in consumers.

In food preparation, it is crucial to consider these allergens because they can trigger severe reactions in individuals with food allergies. Caution must be exercised to prevent cross-contamination when preparing or serving food containing these ingredients. Establishing proper procedures for handling, storing, and serving foods that include allergens is essential to ensure the safety of customers who may have these allergies.

In contrast, the other options do not represent significant food allergens. While rice, corn, tofu, honey, garlic, onion, potatoes, tomatoes, and carrots can cause issues for certain individuals, they are not among the major allergens that require the same level of awareness and precautions in food service settings. Thus, understanding and identifying the critical allergens is vital for safeguarding public health in food establishments.