Ontario Food Handler Certification Practice Exam

What should be done with expired foods?

1. Refrigerate them for later use

2. Discard them immediately

3. Use them for cooking

4. Donate them to a food bank

The correct answer is: Discard them immediately

When dealing with expired foods, the most appropriate action is to discard them immediately. Consuming expired food can pose significant health risks, as it may lead to foodborne illnesses due to the growth of harmful bacteria or toxins that develop over time. Even if the food appears safe, the expiration date is an indication that quality and safety cannot be guaranteed. Refrigerating expired foods may seem like a practical solution, but it does not prevent the potential health risks associated with consuming food that has surpassed its expiration date. Similarly, using expired foods for cooking does not eliminate those risks; heat may not effectively kill all harmful microorganisms, particularly if the food has been significantly degraded in quality. Donating expired foods to a food bank is also not advisable because food banks must adhere to strict safety guidelines to ensure the wellness of those they serve. Donations should only include food items that are within their shelf life and safe for consumption. Thus, the safest and most responsible approach is to discard expired foods to prevent health hazards.