Final answer:
With a food item that has passed its expiration date, the safest and most appropriate action is to dispose of it. Proper storage, regular handwashing, and adherence to food safety guidelines are vital to prevent foodborne illnesses.
Step-by-step explanation:
What must be done with a food item that has passed its expiration date? The correct action to take is to throw the food out. Consumption of expired food can pose serious health risks due to the potential growth of bacteria, especially if the food has been stored at temperatures that encourage bacterial growth (between 4 and 60 degrees C or 40 and 140 degrees F). Perishable foods, in particular, should be consumed by their expiration date or discarded to prevent foodborne illnesses. If perishable food has been left out at room temperature for more than two hours, it should not be consumed, even if reheated, because bacteria may have already multiplied to unsafe levels.
Regular handwashing is critical for preventing the spread of foodborne diseases, and proper food storage methods, such as keeping the refrigerator at or below 4 degrees C (40 degrees F), are essential for food safety. Furthermore, perishable foods such as meats and dairy should be used promptly and not be kept beyond their expiration dates. Produce should be rinsed before consumption, even if the outer skin will not be eaten. Lastly, foods should be thawed properly, as recommended by the USDA, to prevent the growth of bacteria that may have survived the freezing process.