What does FIFO stand for in food management?

FIFO stands for "First in First Out," which is a crucial concept in food management and inventory control. This method ensures that the oldest stock—typically the ingredients or food items that were purchased or produced first—gets used or sold before newer stock. Implementing FIFO helps to minimize food waste by ensuring that perishable items are used within their shelf life.

Using FIFO allows managers to keep track of inventory more effectively, preventing spoilage and maintaining food safety standards. It is especially important in environments where food products have expiration dates, as it promotes the use of goods in the order they were received, thereby reducing the risk of serving expired or spoiled food to customers.