What should be done if food temperatures are too low on the steam table?

In food safety practices, maintaining proper temperature for food items is crucial to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria. When food temperatures are too low on the steam table, it poses a risk for bacterial growth, which can lead to foodborne illnesses.

Adjusting the steam table helps to ensure that the food reaches a safe temperature. Discarding food that cannot be brought back to a safe temperature is important to protect customers’ health. This option emphasizes the importance of safety and adherence to food handling regulations.

The other options either neglect food safety protocols or suggest actions that would fail to address the potential health risks associated with serving food at inadequate temperatures. Keeping food on the table for longer or serving it as is would still leave the food in the danger zone where bacteria can thrive. Storing it in the refrigerator would not address the immediate concern of serving food at a safe temperature, as food needs to be heated to the appropriate level before serving.