When should food items be disposed of based on their appearance or smell?

Food items should be disposed of when they exhibit an unusual appearance or odor because these are strong indicators of spoilage or contamination. Fresh food maintains a specific look and scent, which are essential for identifying its quality and safety. When items begin to smell off or display signs such as discoloration, mold, or an unusual texture, it suggests that they may harbor harmful bacteria or toxins that can pose health risks if consumed.

Relying solely on taste or storage duration can be misleading; food may taste fine but still be unsafe, and a blanket rule about a three-week storage period does not account for the types of food or specific storage conditions. Similarly, just because a date has passed does not automatically mean the food is unsafe if it has been properly stored and remains visually and olfactorily acceptable. Therefore, monitoring the appearance and smell is a crucial standard for food safety.