If the handle of the soup ladle falls into the pot at a self-service station, what should be done?

• A. Turn off the heat and wait
• B. Remove the ladle and continue serving
• C. Restock the pot of soup
• D. Refrigerate and reuse later

Answer: (C)

When a utensil falls into ready-to-eat soup at a self-service station, the food is considered contaminated and must not be served. The safest action is to discard that pot of soup and replace it with a fresh batch. This eliminates any risk from contamination and keeps the product within safe temperature and handling guidelines. Turning off the heat and waiting, removing the ladle and continuing, or refrigerating and reusing later do not address the contamination and can lead to unsafe food. After restocking, ensure proper sanitation of utensils and maintaining the soup at the correct serving temperature.