What should be done with expired food items in a kitchen?

In a kitchen setting, expired food items pose significant health risks and must be handled appropriately. When food items have passed their expiration date, they can become unsafe for consumption, as they may harbor harmful bacteria or other pathogens that could lead to foodborne illnesses.

Throwing away expired food items immediately is the best practice, as it ensures that there is no chance of accidentally using these items in meal preparation. This approach also helps maintain a clean and safe kitchen environment, promoting food safety and hygiene standards that are critical in a food service setting like Cracker Barrel. By prioritizing the disposal of expired items, kitchens can avoid potential legal and health-related repercussions that might arise from serving unsafe food to customers.

Alternative options like storing, giving to staff, or using expired items in cooking could lead to serious health concerns and are not in adherence to food safety protocols.