What is the proper action if food is found to be past its use-by date?

When food is found to be past its use-by date, the proper action is to discard it to prevent risk. The use-by date indicates the last day the product can safely be consumed while maintaining its quality and safety. Consuming food after this date can pose significant health risks, as the food may have deteriorated in quality or could potentially harbor harmful bacteria that could lead to foodborne illnesses.

Discarding food that is past its use-by date is a critical practice in food safety management, as it helps to ensure that only safe and quality food is served to consumers. This practice reflects a commitment to maintaining health standards and protecting customers from the risks associated with spoiled food.