For food that spoils under $300, who has discretion over the disposal?

The authority to determine the disposal of food that spoils under $300 rests with the Commanding Officer (CO) or Officer in Charge (OINC). This is due to their overall responsibility for the safety, security, and welfare of the crew and vessel operations. The CO or OINC has the final say in matters concerning health and safety regulations, including food safety.

In situations involving spoiling food, it's crucial that decisions are made with a comprehensive understanding of both health regulations and the implications for crew health. The CO or OINC is best positioned to make these critical decisions, ensuring that they align with the standards and procedures established by the United States Coast Guard.

Other personnel, such as a food safety officer, may provide guidance or input on food safety issues, but the authority to decide on disposal ultimately resides with the CO or OINC. The ship's store manager may handle day-to-day management of food supplies, but would still need to defer to higher authority for disposal decisions. Likewise, any enlisted personnel would not have the discretion to discard potentially hazardous waste without guidance from the CO or OINC, as it might compromise safety or violate regulations.