What does “first in, first out” (FIFO) mean in food storage?

The concept of "first in, first out" (FIFO) in food storage refers to the practice of utilizing the oldest stock of food items first. This method is essential for minimizing waste and spoilage, particularly in environments where products have a limited shelf life. By ensuring that older products are used first, FIFO helps to keep inventory rotating effectively, thereby preventing food from sitting on the shelf until it becomes unsafe to consume.

This approach is critical in food safety because it also aids in maintaining quality and freshness. Foods that are stored for extended periods may not only lose their desirable taste and texture but could also become unsafe due to the growth of harmful bacteria or pathogens if left unused past their expiration dates.

In contrast, using the newest stock first could lead to older items being overlooked and potentially going bad, while labeling food with the date it was received is a good practice for tracking freshness but does not inherently dictate the order of use. Lastly, storing food in alphabetical order does not address the need for prioritizing items based on their shelf life and usability.