How can you determine when food needs to be discarded?

The most reliable way to determine when food needs to be discarded is by checking expiration dates and symptoms of spoilage. Expiration dates provide a clear guideline on the safety of the food product and indicate the timeframe in which it is considered safe to consume. Additionally, symptoms of spoilage can include changes in texture, color, and odor that indicate the food is no longer safe to eat. This method combines objective criteria (expiration dates) with sensory observations (spoilage signs) to make an informed decision about food safety.

Relying solely on smell and appearance may lead to unsafe consumption, as some foodborne pathogens don’t always produce noticeable changes in these aspects. Taste-testing food is not a safe method, as it risks health issues if the food is indeed spoiled or contaminated. Looking for visible contaminants does not guarantee safety either, as pathogens can be present without any visible signs, making it a less reliable indicator on its own.