The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
Correct Answer: c. The following Monday
The correct use by date for the sub sandwiches is determined by a critical food safety principle for ready to eat, potentially hazardous foods, often called Time/Temperature Control for Safety (TCS) foods. Standard food safety regulations, such as the FDA Food Code, state that these foods can be stored for a maximum of seven days when held at a safe temperature of 41°F (5°C) or lower. The seven day count begins on the day the food is first prepared or a commercial container is opened. This day is counted as Day 1.
In this scenario, multiple ingredients were prepared on different days. To find the use by date for the final product, the sub sandwiches, you must identify the ingredient that was prepared or opened first. The entire sandwich inherits the use by date of its oldest component.
The deli meat was opened on Tuesday. This action started the seven day countdown for that specific ingredient. The lettuce, tomatoes, and cheese were prepared on Wednesday, starting their own seven day clocks. However, because the sandwiches contain the deli meat, its earlier start date is the one that matters for the final product.
Counting the days starting from when the meat was opened:
- Day 1: Tuesday
- Day 2: Wednesday
- Day 3: Thursday
- Day 4: Friday
- Day 5: Saturday
- Day 6: Sunday
- Day 7: Monday
Therefore, the sandwiches must be consumed, sold, or thrown away by the end of the day on the following Monday. This practice ensures that the risk of bacterial growth is minimized and that food is served safely. While the image shows another option selected, based on standard food safety protocols, the following Monday is the correct use by date.
