What should be done if a food item is found to be expired during a routine check?

The appropriate course of action when a food item is found to be expired during a routine check is to immediately remove it from sale and discard it. This practice is crucial for maintaining food safety standards. Expired food can pose health risks to customers, as the quality may have degraded, and harmful bacteria could be present even if the item appears visually acceptable.

By removing expired items from sale, you help ensure that only safe and high-quality products are available to customers. It also reflects the commitment of the business to uphold food safety regulations and protect customer health. This procedure aligns with standard food safety protocols, which prioritize the well-being of consumers and the integrity of the food supply.

Offering expired items at a discount, repackaging them with a new date, or leaving them on the shelf, regardless of their appearance, could compromise safety and violate food safety laws, potentially leading to serious legal and health consequences.