What process should be followed to dispose of expired food items?

The proper process for disposing of expired food items involves sealing and labeling them as waste while following established company disposal protocols. This approach ensures that food waste is handled safely and responsibly, which is crucial for maintaining food safety and hygiene standards within the facility. Proper labeling helps staff to identify the items as waste, preventing any accidental distribution or consumption, which could cause health risks. Additionally, following company protocols ensures compliance with regulatory requirements and reinforces a culture of safety.

In contrast, simply throwing expired food in regular trash does not account for handling food waste in a safely managed way. Sorting and donating expired items can lead to serious health risks, as food that has reached its expiration date is no longer safe to consume. Leaving expired food in the walk-in cooler not only poses health risks but also can lead to cross-contamination with other products. Therefore, sealing and labeling the waste is the most responsible and compliant method for food disposal.