State Food Safety Practice Exam

When a manager learns about a food recall that affects her establishment, what should she do?

1. Discard the food immediately

2. Isolate the food and keep it in a designated area

3. Leave the food out in the open for easy inspection

4. Finish serving it to current customers and then take it off the menu

The correct answer is: Isolate the food and keep it in a designated area

When a manager learns about a food recall affecting her establishment, isolating the recalled food and keeping it in a designated area is the appropriate action to take. This method allows for the safe handling of the product while avoiding any risk of it being accidentally served to customers. By isolating the affected food, the manager ensures that the recalled items are clearly marked and separated from other inventory, minimizing the chance of cross-contamination and protecting the health and safety of patrons. This process also facilitates communication with staff about the recall, ensuring they are aware that these items are no longer to be used. Following proper recall procedures, including maintaining a clear record of the items involved and their source, is essential for compliance with food safety regulations and for protecting the establishment's reputation. The other options present significant risks to food safety and would likely contravene best practices in food handling. For instance, discarding food immediately doesn’t provide a chance for assessment or verification regarding the specific risks involved with the recalled item. Leaving food out in the open can lead to accidental contamination or serving, which poses a direct risk to consumer health. Continuing to serve a recalled item to current customers can result in serious foodborne illnesses and legal repercussions for the establishment.