Why is it important to label and date food in storage?

Labeling and dating food in storage is crucial for ensuring proper rotation and adherence to use-by dates. When food is labeled with the date it was prepared or stored, it allows staff to manage inventory effectively, using older items first to prevent spoilage and reduce food waste. This practice, often referred to as FIFO (First In, First Out), helps maintain food quality and safety by ensuring that food is consumed before its expiration or use-by date.

Additionally, proper labeling can assist in identifying the contents of storage containers, which is essential in busy kitchens to avoid confusion and potential food safety issues. By keeping track of how long food has been stored, kitchen staff can take action to either use, discard, or reprocess food as necessary, minimizing the risk of foodborne illnesses associated with consuming expired products.