What is the correct action if food shows signs of contamination upon receipt?

When food shows signs of contamination upon receipt, the appropriate action is to reject it. Contaminated food poses a significant risk to health and safety, as it can contain harmful pathogens, allergens, or chemical residues that could lead to foodborne illnesses if consumed. Accepting contaminated food can compromise the safety of the entire food supply chain and can result in serious consequences for both the consumers and the establishment.

If food is visibly spoiled, has an off odor, shows signs of pest damage, or is improperly labeled, these are all indicators that the food has been compromised and may not be safe for consumption. Rejecting such items ensures that they are not incorporated into food preparation and helps maintain food safety standards in any food handling or serving environment.

In comparison, thoroughly cooking contaminated food, cleaning it before acceptance, or storing it in a separate area does not adequately mitigate the risks associated with food that has already shown signs of contamination. These actions could still expose individuals to harmful foodborne pathogens or toxins that cooking or cleaning cannot eliminate. Therefore, the safest and best practice is to reject any food items that show signs of contamination upon receipt.