What should you do if you suspect food has been contaminated?

The correct response emphasizes the importance of food safety and sanitation in preventing foodborne illnesses. When there is a suspicion that food has been contaminated, it is crucial to discard the item immediately. This step helps to eliminate any potential risk the contaminated food poses to health.

In a food service establishment, reporting the incident is equally important as it allows for appropriate investigation and intervention. This may include checking other food items, assessing kitchen practices, and preventing future occurrences. Proper sanitation practices are vital for maintaining food safety standards, ultimately protecting customers and ensuring compliance with health regulations.

The other actions — refrigerating for further inspection, cooking thoroughly, or leaving it out — can all lead to increased risk of foodborne illness. Refrigerating food that is suspected to be contaminated does not eliminate potential pathogens. Cooking can kill some pathogens, but not all types of contamination can be eradicated this way, and it may not ensure safety if the food was already unsafe. Leaving food out increases the risk of further bacterial growth, leading to higher chances of illness. Thus, discarding the contaminated food is the safest and most responsible action to take.