Which of the following is NOT a recommended action when preparing food?

The correct choice identifies a behavior that is not recommended when preparing food, particularly concerning food safety and hygiene. Touching your face while handling food can introduce pathogens and contaminants from your skin, including bacteria and viruses, onto the food products, surfaces, or utensils. This practice significantly increases the risk of foodborne illnesses and compromises the safety of the food being prepared. Therefore, maintaining cleanliness and controlling personal hygiene are critical aspects of food preparation.

In contrast, the other actions listed are advisable when preparing food. Taking out the trash helps to maintain a clean working environment, handling raw animal products requires careful attention to prevent cross-contamination, and cleaning surfaces ensures that they are free of bacteria and other contaminants before and during food preparation. Each of these actions contributes positively to the overall safety of the food preparation process.