What should be done if a food product appears spoiled?

If a food product appears spoiled, disposing of it immediately is the safest course of action. Spoiled food can harbor harmful bacteria, molds, or toxins that can lead to foodborne illnesses if consumed. When food shows signals of spoilage—such as off smells, discoloration, or a change in texture—these are indications that it may no longer be safe to eat.

Keeping spoiled food, even if it might seem salvageable through cooking or freezing, does not eliminate the potential risk; harmful substances might remain even after heat treatment or could still pose a risk upon defrosting. Ensuring safety by discarding compromised food products is a fundamental practice in food safety standards to protect both health and wellbeing.