Which of the following practices should be avoided to ensure food safety?

Sampling food directly from the preparation area is a practice that should be avoided to ensure food safety. This practice can lead to contamination of the food, as it increases the risk of cross-contamination from hands, utensils, or surfaces that may not be clean. When sampling food in a preparation area, there’s also the potential for the food to be exposed to bacteria or pathogens that can affect its safety and quality. Proper sampling methods should involve using clean, separate utensils and following hygiene practices to minimize any risk of contaminating the food being prepared.

In contrast, using separate cutting boards for raw meat and vegetables, washing hands before handling food, and cooking food to the appropriate temperature are all essential practices that help prevent foodborne illness and ensure safe food handling. These methods promote cleanliness and reduce the risk of contamination by maintaining good hygiene and proper food safety standards.