What does the term "first in, first out" refer to in food storage?

The term "first in, first out" (FIFO) refers specifically to the practice of rotating stock to ensure that the oldest items are used before newer items. This method is crucial in food storage, as it helps to prevent spoilage and waste, ensuring that food items are consumed while they are still fresh and safe to eat. By using the oldest stock first, operations can maintain better control over their inventory, minimize loss from expired products, and ensure high-quality food service.

While other practices, such as labeling items with expiration dates or keeping items in their original packaging, play important roles in food safety and management, they don't specifically capture the essence of FIFO. FIFO emphasizes the order of usage based on the timing of when products were stored, making it essential for effective inventory management in the food industry.