What action should employees take if they notice expired food in the kitchen?

Employees should report and dispose of expired food immediately because serving or using expired food poses significant health risks to customers. Expired food can lead to foodborne illnesses, which can have serious consequences for both the customer and the business. Proper food safety protocols dictate that any food past its expiration date should be removed from inventory to avoid unintentional use. This action also promotes a culture of safety and responsibility within the workplace, ensuring that all employees are vigilant about maintaining food quality and adhering to health regulations. Disposing of expired food rather than trying to repurpose or sell it reinforces the commitment to customer safety and food integrity.