What is the proper way to handle out-of-date merchandise?

The proper handling of out-of-date merchandise primarily involves ensuring that products are not sold or presented to customers after their expiration date. Pulling expired items from the shelf and retaining them for credit is a standard procedure followed in many retail environments, particularly in the food and produce sector. This approach helps prevent any potential health risks associated with selling outdated items to customers, as these products may no longer be safe for consumption.

Retaining out-of-date merchandise for credit also allows stores to manage stock effectively by keeping accurate inventory records and ensuring that the goods can be returned to vendors or disposed of properly. This process is crucial in maintaining compliance with health regulations and company policies regarding product quality.

While donating expired items to charities can seem like a positive solution, it is generally not appropriate because safety and liability concerns regarding food safety must be taken into consideration. Storing expired products for future use is also not advisable, as these items cannot be sold or utilized without compromising quality and safety. Selling at a discounted price may seem like an easy way to get rid of stock, but it is prohibited when the products have reached their expiration dates. Thus, the best and safest choice is to pull out-of-date merchandise from the shelves and retain them for the proper procedures, such as returns