What should be done with food that has a sell-by date that has passed?

Food with a sell-by date that has passed should not be sold or consumed. The sell-by date is an inventory control measure used by retailers to indicate the date by which the product should be sold to ensure quality and safety for consumers. Once this date has passed, there is a risk that the food may no longer be safe to eat, potentially compromising both taste and safety due to spoilage or the growth of harmful bacteria.

While some foods may still be safe to consume past the sell-by date, it's generally not advisable for both consumers and food handlers to do so, as the potential risks outweigh any perceived benefits. Maintaining strict adherence to sell-by dates helps ensure the overall safety of food products and protects public health.