You find an unopened container of refrigerated cottage cheese with a 'best-by' date that passed two weeks ago. It looks normal, has no off-odor, and was kept refrigerated at 4°C continuously. Which action follows best food-safety problem-solving principles?

• A. Assume it is safe since 'best-by' is only about quality, therefore consume without further thought even if the container is swollen or smells sour.
• B. Freeze the entire container to stop spoilage and then consume at leisure without reheating because freezing guarantees safety even if bacteria are present.
• C. Use sensory checks (smell, appearance, texture); if no spoilage signs are present and it’s been continuously refrigerated, it is likely safe to consume but use caution—if uncertain, discard.
• D. Immediately discard the product because any date older than the label indicates an unsafe product regardless of smell or appearance.

Answer: (C)