If a delivery driver takes more than two hours to get food to the customer and it is not safe, what is the restaurant’s best course of action?

The best course of action when the food has been in transit for more than two hours and is no longer safe to consume is to instruct the customer to discard the food. This response is critical because food safety is paramount, especially in situations where food may have entered the temperature danger zone, potentially leading to harmful bacterial growth. Confirming that the customer discards the food helps prevent the risk of foodborne illnesses.

In situations where food safety is compromised due to extended delivery times, simply contacting the customer, offering a refund, or apologizing and replacing the order does not adequately address the immediate health risks posed by consuming unsafe food. It's important to ensure that the customer's well-being is prioritized while adhering to food safety protocols. The proactive step of instructing the discard reinforces responsibility towards food safety and consumer health.