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

Touching food and money interchangeably should be avoided in food handling to ensure safety because both items can carry harmful bacteria and pathogens. Money, often passed around among many hands, can be contaminated with various germs. When food handlers touch money and then proceed to handle food without washing their hands, they risk contaminating the food, which can lead to foodborne illnesses. This practice undermines the principles of food safety and proper hygiene in food service settings.

The other choices reflect best practices in food handling. Storing food at room temperature can lead to bacterial growth and should be minimized. Using separate utensils for raw and cooked food is a recommended strategy to prevent cross-contamination. Monitoring cooking time ensures that food reaches safe temperatures to kill harmful microorganisms. Each of these practices, when followed correctly, enhances food safety and minimizes health risks.