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

Keeping wet and dry foods together is a practice that should be avoided to maintain food safety because it increases the risk of cross-contamination and spoilage. Wet foods, such as fruits or vegetables that may release moisture, can create an environment conducive to bacterial growth when stored alongside dry foods, which are generally more stable. This cross-contact can not only compromise the integrity of the dry foods but also pose food safety risks, particularly if the wet items are contaminated. Proper food storage emphasizes maintaining separation between different types of foods to minimize the potential for contamination and maintain overall food quality and safety. In contrast, the other practices promote safe food handling by preventing various forms of contamination and spoilage.