What does FIFO stand for in food storage practices?

FIFO stands for "First in, first out," which is a crucial food storage practice used to ensure food safety and quality. This method emphasizes that the oldest stock of ingredients should be used first. This practice helps to minimize food waste and spoilage by ensuring that products are consumed or prepared before their expiration dates or before they start to degrade in quality.

In a practical sense, when newer items are stocked behind older inventory, it encourages staff to use the older items first. This is particularly important in environments like restaurants, where maintaining the freshness and safety of food is critical. By following the FIFO method, food establishments can reduce the risk of foodborne illnesses that arise from using expired or spoiled ingredients. Additionally, this practice helps in managing inventory more effectively, enabling businesses to maintain optimal stock levels and reduce costs related to food waste.