What is the recommended action for food that is beyond its expiration date?

The recommended action for food that is beyond its expiration date is to discard it to prevent foodborne illness. Expiration dates are set based on safety and quality concerns, indicating the time frame in which the food is expected to maintain its safety for consumption. Consuming food past this date poses a risk of foodborne illnesses due to potential spoilage or the growth of harmful bacteria.

While smell tests, repurposing, or keeping items for future reference may seem practical, these approaches can lead to health risks. The smell test does not guarantee safety, as some pathogens do not produce off-odors or visible signs of spoilage, making it unreliable. Repurposing food beyond its expiration can also result in consuming unsafe items, as the cooking process may not eliminate all pathogens. Finally, holding onto expired food for future use is not advisable, as it can lead to confusion about safety and quality over time.

By discarding food past its expiration date, individuals are prioritizing their health and the health of others, ensuring that food safety standards are upheld.