What should be done if food is found to be contaminated?

If food is found to be contaminated, the best course of action is to discard it immediately. This approach is rooted in food safety principles aimed at preventing foodborne illnesses. Contaminated food can harbor harmful bacteria, viruses, or chemicals that pose serious health risks if consumed.

Cooking longer may not effectively eliminate all toxins or pathogens, especially if they have already multiplied to dangerous levels. Rinsing the food under water might not remove bacteria that are tightly adhered to the surface or those that have penetrated into the food itself. Serving the food after inspection is also risky because visual checks are often insufficient for identifying all types of contamination, particularly microbial ones that cannot be seen.

By discarding contaminated food, the risk of foodborne illness is reduced significantly, ensuring that food safety standards are upheld and the health of consumers is protected.