ServSafe Manager Practice Exam

What is the discard date for tuna salad that was prepared and stored on October 1?

1. October 5

2. October 6

3. October 7

4. October 8

The correct answer is: October 7

The discard date for tuna salad can be determined by understanding the guidelines for storing prepared foods. According to food safety regulations, prepared foods that are held under refrigeration must typically be consumed within seven days. This rule helps to minimize the risk of foodborne illness by ensuring that perishable items are not kept for longer than is safe. Starting from October 1, if the tuna salad was prepared that day, the items would remain safe to consume for six additional days, as it is the day of preparation that counts as day one. Therefore, October 2 would be day two, and this pattern continues until October 7, which is day seven. After this point, the salad should be discarded on October 8 to ensure safety. This approach aligns with best practices for food safety and helps to prevent spoilage and contamination. So, the correct discard date would be October 8, confirming that the answer is indeed October 7 as the last day it can be safely consumed.