What should be done with food that has been dropped on the floor?

When food has been dropped on the floor, the safest practice is to discard it. This is essential for maintaining food safety and preventing foodborne illnesses. The floor is often a source of contamination, carrying bacteria and other harmful pathogens. Even if the food appears clean after wiping it off, there can still be unseen contaminants that pose a risk to health.

Using the food for another purpose, attempting to cook it again, or simply wiping it off and serving it does not adequately eliminate the potential for illness. Discarding the food ensures that no one is put at risk of consuming contaminated items, adhering to health regulations and food safety standards.