Starbucks Food Safety Practice Exam

What should be done with food suspected of being contaminated?

1. Serve it after cooking

2. Discard it appropriately

3. Store it in the refrigerator

4. Reheat it thoroughly

The correct answer is: Discard it appropriately

When food is suspected of being contaminated, the most appropriate action is to discard it appropriately. This ensures that any potential pathogens or harmful substances are eliminated and cannot pose a risk to customers or staff. Food contamination can lead to serious health issues, including foodborne illnesses, which can be particularly dangerous for vulnerable populations. Serving food after cooking, storing it in the refrigerator, or reheating it thoroughly do not guarantee the elimination of contaminants. In some situations, heat may not eliminate all pathogens, and refrigerating potentially contaminated food can allow harmful bacteria to thrive and become more dangerous. Therefore, the safest and most responsible course of action is to properly dispose of any food that is suspected of being contaminated to protect public health.