What should you do if you suspect food is contaminated?

When you suspect that food is contaminated, it is crucial to prioritize food safety to prevent potential health risks to consumers. Discarding the suspected contaminated food is the safest option, as it eliminates any chance of foodborne illnesses being transmitted. Contaminated food can harbor harmful pathogens that could lead to serious health issues if ingested.

Reporting the situation to a supervisor is equally important. This enables the establishment to take appropriate measures, such as investigating the source of contamination, implementing corrective actions, or reviewing food safety protocols to prevent future incidents.

Serving the food may expose customers to illness, while simply refrigerating it does not eliminate the risk of contamination. Cooking the food thoroughly might kill some pathogens, but it doesn't guarantee all contaminants (such as certain toxins) are rendered safe.

Overall, discarding the food and notifying a supervisor ensures that health and safety standards are upheld, protecting both customers and the establishment.