What actions should be taken when discovering expired food in storage?

When discovering expired food in storage, the appropriate action is to discard it immediately and log it for inventory purposes. This is crucial for maintaining food safety and preventing potential health risks associated with consuming expired products. Expired food can harbor harmful bacteria or toxins that could lead to foodborne illnesses, which pose significant risks to consumers' health. By appropriately discarding expired items, an establishment demonstrates a commitment to food safety standards and regulatory compliance.

Additionally, logging the discarded food helps maintain accurate inventory records, ensuring that stock is rotated properly and that any issues with supply chains can be addressed. This practice also aids in monitoring food safety protocols and can help in the auditing process during health inspections.

Using expired food in cooking, keeping it for a few more days, or giving it to other staff to use are not suitable practices, as they expose individuals to health risks and violate food safety regulations.