Which of the following is a best practice for food storage?

Labeling and dating all food items is essential for food safety and effective inventory management in a food storage environment. This practice helps ensure that food is used within its safe consumption period, minimizes the risk of spoilage, and supports proper rotation of stock to reduce waste.

When food items are labeled with clear dates, staff can quickly identify which items need to be used first, adhering to the "first in, first out" (FIFO) principle. This not only maintains freshness but also prevents the use of expired items, which could pose health risks to consumers.

Additionally, proper labeling aids in preventing cross-contamination, as it allows staff to distinguish between raw and cooked items, which must be stored separately. Overall, this best practice fosters a safer food service environment and aligns with public health regulations regarding food safety.