What should employees do if they suspect contamination in food?

When employees suspect contamination in food, the most appropriate and responsible action is to report the concern immediately and discard the food. This approach prioritizes food safety, as consuming or using food that may be contaminated poses a significant health risk. By discarding the food, employees prevent potential foodborne illnesses and protect both customers and the establishment from serious consequences.

Reporting the suspicion allows for a systematic response, ensuring that proper procedures are followed to investigate the situation and prevent future occurrences. This kind of prompt action is crucial in any food handling operation, as it helps maintain hygiene standards and promotes safety in food service environments.

Other choices do not align with food safety protocols. Resuming normal operations without addressing a potential contamination issue could lead to consuming unsafe food, while merely inspecting the food assumes that visual checks are sufficient to determine safety, which is often not the case. Saving food for later analysis may delay necessary action, allowing potential issues to escalate rather than being addressed promptly.