What should be done with food that has passed its expiration date?

Food that has passed its expiration date presents a potential health risk and should be discarded immediately. The expiration date is established to ensure food safety and quality, indicating the last day that the product is guaranteed to be safe for consumption. Consuming food after this date can lead to foodborne illness due to the growth of harmful bacteria, spoilage, or the degradation of quality that may not be visible to the naked eye.

While there are circumstances under which certain foods may still be safe to eat after their expiration dates—like "sell by" or "best by" dates—it's crucial for food service operations to prioritize safety above all else. Discarding products that are past their expiration is a best practice to prevent potential food safety hazards and ensure the health of customers and staff.