What should be done with food products that have expired?

When food products have expired, they should be discarded appropriately because consuming expired food can pose serious health risks. Expiration dates indicate the point at which a product may no longer be safe to eat, potentially leading to foodborne illnesses. Proper disposal ensures that the food cannot be mistakenly consumed by customers or staff, thereby maintaining safety standards and protecting public health.

While donating to charity or using in staff meals might seem compassionate, these actions could endanger others' health if the food is not safe. Similarly, feeding expired food to livestock can lead to health issues for the animals, making proper disposal not just a matter of safety for people but also for animal welfare. Always following safety regulations and guidelines regarding food disposal is crucial in maintaining a safe food service environment.