What should be done immediately when food is taken out of storage?

When food is taken out of storage, placing it on the steam table is the appropriate action to take immediately. This ensures that the food is kept at a safe temperature, which is critical in food safety. The steam table helps maintain food at the required temperature to prevent bacterial growth, keeping it safe for consumption.

The other actions, while relevant in certain contexts, do not address the immediate need for temperature control. For instance, allowing food to cool could lead to it being held in a temperature danger zone for too long, increasing the risk of foodborne illness. Throwing food away is not necessary unless it is spoiled or past its safe consumption period. Cutting food into smaller portions may also be relevant for serving, but it does not directly address the immediate need for food safety after retrieval from storage. Thus, placing food on the steam table serves as the best practice for ensuring that it remains safe and ready for serving.