Sanitation Certification Practice Test

What should you do if shellfish has a strong or foul odor upon receiving?

1. Accept the shellfish and report the odor later

2. Reject the shellfish if it does not meet criteria

3. Cook the shellfish immediately to mask the odor

4. Report the odor to the supplier without rejecting the product

The correct answer is: Reject the shellfish if it does not meet criteria

When receiving shellfish, it's critical to ensure they meet specific quality criteria, including their freshness and odor. A strong or foul odor is an indication that the shellfish may be spoiled or unsafe for consumption. The correct action in this situation is to reject the shellfish if it does not meet the established criteria. Rejecting the shellfish is essential for food safety because consuming spoiled seafood can lead to foodborne illnesses, which are serious and potentially life-threatening. Fresh shellfish should have a clean, briny smell, reminiscent of the ocean; any other smell suggests deterioration. By adhering to the rejection policy, you protect your customers and maintain high food safety standards within your establishment. Accepting substandard shellfish or attempting to mask the odor through cooking places your business at risk for health code violations and customer safety issues. Simply reporting an odor to the supplier without taking immediate action also does not ensure the safety of your food products. Therefore, rejecting shellfish with a strong or foul odor is the most prudent and responsible choice.