California eFoodHandlers Practice Exam

What is the first step to take if you find expired food while handling food?

1. Ignore it

2. Throw it away immediately

3. Document it for records

4. Check for signs of spoilage

The correct answer is: Throw it away immediately

The first step when discovering expired food while handling food is to throw it away immediately. This action is imperative for maintaining food safety standards, as consuming or using expired food can pose serious health risks due to potential spoilage or bacterial growth. Expired food can lead to foodborne illnesses, which can have significant consequences for both consumers and businesses. When food is found to be expired, it is essential to remove it from the inventory to prevent any accidental use. This helps ensure that all served food is safe and meets legal and health regulations. This practice is a part of proper food handling procedures, promoting a safe environment for both food handlers and patrons. Other actions, such as ignoring the expired food, documenting it, or checking for spoilage, are not suitable immediate responses. Ignoring the presence of expired items could lead to unsafe food being served, while documentation and checking for spoilage are useful but should follow the immediate disposal of any expired products to eliminate potential hazards right away.