What should an employee do if they find a food item that is past its expiration date?

If an employee discovers a food item that is past its expiration date, the appropriate course of action is to discard the food item immediately. Consuming or serving food beyond its expiration date can pose serious health risks, as it may not be safe to eat. Expired food can lead to foodborne illnesses due to the potential growth of harmful bacteria or deterioration of the food's quality. Therefore, ensuring the safety and well-being of customers and employees is paramount, and removing expired items from stock helps maintain high food safety standards.

Choosing to cook the item thoroughly, label it for later use, or store it in a separate container does not address the fundamental issue of safety. These actions could potentially still expose individuals to the risks associated with consuming expired food, compromising food safety protocols. Discarding such items is the most responsible action to prevent any health hazards.