What should employees do with ingredients that are past their expiration date?

Employees should discard ingredients that are past their expiration date to ensure food safety and maintain the quality of the food served. Using expired ingredients can pose significant health risks, such as foodborne illnesses, which can arise from consuming spoiled or unsafe food products. By discarding these ingredients, employees help protect both their customers and the reputation of the establishment.

Maintaining strict adherence to expiration dates is crucial in the food service industry because it reflects a commitment to safety and quality. Ingredients that are no longer safe for consumption should not be utilized, as this could result in negative consequences for customers, including potential health hazards. In contrast, options like using expired ingredients cautiously, storing them for future use, or giving them away do not prioritize safety and could lead to dangerous situations.