Which of the following actions should a food service worker avoid to maintain food safety?

Eating in food preparation areas is an action that a food service worker should avoid to maintain food safety because it can lead to several potential hazards. When food service workers eat in these areas, it increases the risk of food contamination through saliva or spilled food, which can then be transferred to food items being prepared.

Additionally, eating in preparation areas can create distractions for food workers, making them less attentive to hygiene practices and food safety protocols. This behavior can undermine the strict cleanliness standards required in a commercial kitchen. Maintaining a strict separation between eating and food preparation areas helps ensure that contaminants are kept away from food being served to customers, thus promoting a safe dining experience.

Washing hands regularly, using separate cutting boards for raw and cooked foods, and storing food at appropriate temperatures are all practices that contribute positively to food safety, making the avoidance of eating in food preparation areas crucial for maintaining a safe environment.