What should you do with a food product that has been improperly stored?

When a food product has been improperly stored, the safest action is to discard it if it is potentially hazardous. This is because improper storage can lead to the growth of harmful bacteria or other pathogens that might not be eliminated even through cooking. Potentially hazardous foods, such as meat, dairy, and certain cooked items, require strict temperature control to inhibit the growth of bacteria. If they have been in an unsafe temperature range for too long, they should not be consumed.

Refrigerating the product immediately might not be effective if the food has already been in the danger zone for an extended period. Checking the expiration date does not guarantee the safety of the food if it has been stored improperly. Cooking to a high temperature can kill some bacteria, but it does not remove toxins that may have formed if the food was kept at unsafe temperatures. Therefore, the most responsible option is to discard the food to ensure safety and prevent foodborne illness.