What does "FIFO" stand for in food storage?

"FIFO" stands for "First In, First Out," which is a fundamental principle in food storage and inventory management. This method ensures that the oldest stock of food items is used or sold first, thereby minimizing waste and reducing the risk of food spoilage. When proper FIFO practices are followed, foods that have a shorter shelf life are utilized before newer inventories, ensuring freshness and safety for consumers.

This practice is particularly crucial in environments like restaurants or food service operations where food safety is paramount. Using FIFO helps in maintaining quality control and ensures compliance with health regulations, as it mitigates the potential for serving food that may be past its expiration or best-use date.

The other options presented, while they might seem relevant to food handling, do not accurately represent established food safety practices. They do not convey the same emphasis on systematic inventory management that FIFO entails. Thus, embracing FIFO as a standard practice significantly contributes to effective food safety management in any food handling scenario.