What action should you take if you find packaging damaged or suspect contamination at receipt?

• A. Reject the item and quarantine until cleared.
• B. Return the item to shelf to be sold.
• C. Taste for contamination.
• D. Ignore it.

Answer: (A)

When receiving food, the priority is to protect guests by preventing potentially unsafe product from entering the operation. If packaging is damaged or contamination is suspected, the correct action is to reject the item and place it in a clearly marked quarantine area until its status is confirmed. This isolates the item so it cannot be used or sold, and it supports proper documentation, investigation, and communication with the supplier or supervisor for disposal or return. Tasting the product is dangerous and does not determine safety. Returning it to the shelf risks spreading contamination, and ignoring the issue can lead to illness and legal problems.