What should be done with food that is past its expiration date?

Food that is past its expiration date should be discarded to ensure safety and avoid health risks. Expiration dates are established to indicate the period during which the food is expected to remain safe and retain its intended quality. Consuming food beyond this date may lead to foodborne illnesses due to potential spoilage or decreased safety.

Maintaining a strict adherence to expiration dates is crucial, especially in a food handling environment. This practice safeguards both the establishment and its patrons from harmful bacteria and pathogens that may develop in expired food products. Safety standards in food service are designed to prioritize public health, which is why discarding expired food is the appropriate action to take.