Which of the following is not a safe practice when preparing food?

Using the same utensil that has been in contact with raw food to taste or serve other food poses a significant risk of cross-contamination. This practice can transfer harmful bacteria from the raw food to ready-to-eat food, potentially leading to foodborne illnesses. It's critical to use separate utensils for tasting or serving to ensure that pathogens from raw items do not contaminate cooked or ready-to-eat foods.

In contrast, utilizing separate cutting boards for raw meat and vegetables is a safe practice designed to prevent cross-contamination. Cooking food to its recommended temperature ensures that harmful microorganisms are killed, making the food safe to consume. Keeping food covered when not in use helps protect it from contamination by airborne particles or pests. All these practices contribute to maintaining food safety, while the act of tasting food with the same stirring utensil undermines those efforts by increasing the likelihood of contaminating the food.