What should be done with food if it is discovered to be past its expiration date?

Food that is discovered to be past its expiration date should be discarded immediately to ensure safety and prevent foodborne illnesses. The expiration date is a guideline indicating when the food product is no longer guaranteed to be safe for consumption. Consuming expired food can pose health risks, as harmful bacteria may proliferate, especially in perishable items.

Discarding food that has surpassed its expiration date helps maintain a safe food environment, especially in food service settings where the risk of contamination and illness can be heightened. This practice is crucial for food handlers to follow in order to protect consumers and uphold food safety regulations.