What should you do when tasting food during preparation?

Using a clean spoon for each taste is essential in maintaining food safety and preventing contamination. When cooking, it's important to avoid introducing bacteria or other pathogens into the food. By using a clean spoon, you ensure that you are not transferring any germs from your mouth or hands into the food, which could pose a risk to those who will eat the final product.

Additionally, using the same spoon repeatedly can lead to cross-contamination, especially if it comes into contact with your mouth. This practice aligns with food safety guidelines that emphasize the importance of hygiene and cleanliness in food preparation. Keeping utensils separate for tasting purposes not only ensures the food remains safe to eat but also maintains its quality and flavor integrity.