What types of lettuce pieces must be discarded?

The correct answer identifies lettuce pieces that are brown and hard as those that must be discarded. This is crucial because lettuce that has turned brown indicates spoilage and loss of freshness. The presence of brown color typically suggests that the lettuce is past its prime, which can affect both the taste and texture of the product.

Additionally, lettuce that is hard may indicate dehydration or that it is not fresh, which can detract from the overall quality of a meal. Maintaining high standards for freshness is essential in a restaurant setting, especially in a fast-casual environment like Five Guys, where the quality of ingredients directly impacts customer satisfaction.

While other options refer to undesirable states of lettuce, the choice of brown and hard is particularly significant because it denotes clear spoilage. In contrast, fresh and green lettuce is ideal for serving, and soft and wilted types might be acceptable in limited scenarios, depending on their specific conditions. Yellow and slimy is also an indication of spoilage, but the focus on brown and hard as the choice emphasizes the importance of freshness in textured integrity.