According to food safety guidelines, what should you do with food that has been dropped on the floor?

When food is dropped on the floor, it comes into contact with surfaces that may contain bacteria and other contaminants. According to food safety guidelines, the best practice is to throw it away to prevent potential foodborne illnesses.

Food safety protocols are designed to protect consumers by minimizing the risk of contamination. Even if the food appears clean, it can harbor pathogens that are not visible to the naked eye. Rinsing it off or attempting to use it could still pose a risk as harmful microorganisms may have already penetrated the food or might not be adequately removed by washing.

Refrigerating contaminated food for later use or using it immediately after it has fallen also poses significant health risks, as the food may lead to illness not only for the person consuming it but possibly for others as well. Therefore, discarding the food ensures safety and adheres to established food safety regulations.