If food has an unusual smell or appearance, discarding it immediately is the proper course of action. Indicators such as strange odors or changes in color and texture are often signs that the food has spoiled or been contaminated. Consuming spoiled food can pose serious health risks, including foodborne illness, which can result from bacteria, molds, or other pathogens that thrive under unsafe conditions.
By choosing to discard the food, you eliminate the risk of these health hazards. It is always better to prioritize safety over potential waste when it comes to food handling. This approach also aligns with food safety guidelines that encourage individuals to be cautious about any signs of spoilage.
In contrast, trying to cook the food again may not eliminate harmful toxins that could have developed, while giving the food to someone else or storing it for later use could expose others to those same risks. Food safety practices emphasize that when in doubt about the edibility of food, the safest choice is to dispose of it.