What is the correct way to handle food that is past its expiration date?

The proper way to handle food that is past its expiration date is to discard it immediately. This practice is essential for ensuring food safety, as food items can potentially spoil or harbor harmful bacteria once they have exceeded their expiration date. Consuming expired food can lead to foodborne illnesses, which can be particularly serious in vulnerable populations, such as young children, the elderly, and individuals with compromised immune systems.

Discarding expired food also helps maintain a safe environment in food storage areas. This approach avoids any potential risks associated with handling or consuming food that may no longer be safe. Other methods, such as donating expired food or microwaving it, do not mitigate the risks and can expose individuals to health hazards by encouraging the consumption of unsafe food.