What should be done with food items that have passed their use-by date?

Food items that have passed their use-by date should indeed be discarded to ensure food safety. The use-by date is an important indicator of quality and safety, as it signals the last date that the product is expected to be at its best in terms of safety and taste. Consuming food items beyond this date may lead to foodborne illnesses, as the risk of pathogens or spoilage increases.

Disposing of food that has exceeded its use-by date helps prevent potential health risks associated with consuming spoiled or unsafe food. This practice is part of maintaining responsible food safety standards in any food service environment, including Chipotle, where health and safety are paramount.

Other responses may suggest alternative actions, but they can lead to complications regarding food quality and health standards. For instance, consuming items that are past their use-by date can risk health, while using or donating them does not guarantee safety for consumers. Thus, the safest and most responsible action is to discard such items.