What should be done with damaged food items upon receipt?

When food items arrive damaged, the appropriate action is to return them immediately to the supplier. This approach ensures that any food that does not meet safety and quality standards is not accepted into inventory, which is vital for maintaining food safety protocols. By returning damaged items, you help prevent potential contamination issues and ensure that only safe, high-quality products are used in food service.

Returning the items helps maintain an accurate inventory and creates an opportunity to communicate concerns with the supplier, which can lead to improved practices and product quality in the future. This response also aligns with food safety procedures designed to protect customers and staff from foodborne illnesses and other risks associated with damaged products.

Other actions, such as discarding items without checking, using damaged items for staff meals, or simply storing them separately, do not adequately address the safety risks and could lead to more significant problems down the line. Properly returning damaged goods is a proactive step in upholding food safety standards in the establishment.