What should you do with leftover food from a table?

In the context of food safety and health regulations, the correct action regarding leftover food from a table is to follow the restaurant policy, which typically states that uneaten food cannot be reused. This is primarily for the safety of the customers; re-serving food that has already been handled can pose serious health risks, such as contamination or spoilage.

Most establishments adhere to strict guidelines to ensure that all food served is safe for consumption, and once it has left the guest's plate, it is considered contaminated. As a consequence, throwing away leftover food is a common practice in the industry to prevent any potential foodborne illnesses.

While packing leftovers for guests to take home is a common practice in many restaurants, it generally requires prior arrangement and is contingent on the restaurant’s policies regarding food safety. Therefore, the ideal approach is to understand and abide by the specific policies of your establishment to ensure compliance with health standards.