What action should be taken if food is discolored or has an off odor?

When food is discolored or has an off odor, discarding it is the appropriate action to take. These characteristics often indicate that the food may be spoiled or potentially contaminated. Consuming food that shows these signs can pose serious health risks, including foodborne illnesses.

Tasting or serving food that appears questionable could lead to serving contaminated food to customers, which can result in severe consequences for both customer health and the establishment's reputation. Cooking food longer or adding spices may not eliminate harmful bacteria or toxins that could be present. Therefore, to ensure safety and maintain quality standards, it is essential to err on the side of caution and discard any food that raises concerns regarding its freshness or safety.