What does the term "FIFO" stand for in food inventory management?

The term "FIFO" stands for "First In, First Out," which is a vital concept in food inventory management. This system prioritizes the use of older stock before newer stock to minimize the risk of food spoilage and waste. In a FIFO system, the items that are received first (or have been stored the longest) should be the first ones utilized. This practice is particularly important in the food industry where perishable items have a limited shelf life. By adhering to this method, businesses can ensure that they serve the freshest food to customers and maintain food safety standards, aligning with regulations and best practices in food handling.

Using FIFO helps streamline inventory management, making it easier to track product freshness, reduce losses from expired inventory, and maintain quality control in food service operations.