What should be done with damaged food packaging?

Damaged food packaging poses a significant risk to food safety. When packaging is compromised—whether through tears, holes, or significant dents—it may fail to protect the food inside from contamination, spoilage, or degradation. Even small openings can allow bacteria, pests, or environmental contaminants to enter, jeopardizing the integrity of the food product.

Discarding the product ensures that no compromised food enters the supply chain or is served to customers. This approach follows food safety best practices by prioritizing the health and safety of consumers. It also adheres to regulations governing food safety that mandate removing at-risk products from circulation.

Using damaged packaging for storage, repairing it, or storing it for future use can lead to potential health hazards and are not advisable practices as they could result in cross-contamination or serving unsafe food. By discarding the product, foodservice establishments can maintain high safety standards and protect their customers.