What is the appropriate action for handling leftover food at closing time?

The appropriate action for handling leftover food at closing time is to dispose of it. This practice is essential for several reasons. First, food safety regulations require that perishable items that have been exposed to the public for a certain amount of time must be discarded to prevent foodborne illnesses. Keeping leftover food could lead to contamination and compromise the health of customers if it is stored and served later.

Additionally, using proper disposal methods helps maintain quality control and ensures that all food served is fresh. It's also aligned with many restaurant policies that dictate how to manage food waste to adhere to health department guidelines.

Options that include storing food for the next day or refrigerating it may sound like sensible choices, but they often contradict safety practices that necessitate discarding food that has been left out. Giving food away might be seen as a charitable action, but it does not consider the safety implications involved with food that has not been properly handled or stored. Therefore, the most responsible option in this scenario is to dispose of leftover food at closing time.