What should be done with food items that are past their expiration date?

Food items that are past their expiration date should be discarded immediately to ensure food safety. Consuming expired food can pose serious health risks as the quality and safety of the food may have deteriorated, increasing the likelihood of foodborne illnesses. Expiration dates are established based on a combination of factors, including the expected shelf life of the product, quality standards, and safety assessments. Once these dates have passed, it is no longer guaranteed that the food is safe for consumption.

Proper handling of expired food is essential in food service environments to maintain public health standards and comply with health regulations. It is critical to implement strict inventory management, ensuring that expired items are removed and disposed of promptly to prevent accidental use. The other options, such as repackaging or offering samples, would not mitigate the risks associated with expired items and could lead to potential hazards if these food items are ingested.