What does FIFO stand for in food rotation practices?

FIFO stands for "First In, First Out," which is a critical practice in food rotation to ensure that food is used in the order it was received. This method helps maintain the quality and safety of food by ensuring that older inventory is used before newer stock. By adhering to FIFO, food handlers minimize the risk of spoilage and waste, as food that has been stored for a longer period is utilized first. This is particularly important in managing perishable items, where improper rotation can lead to foodborne illnesses if expired items are consumed.

The other options do not accurately describe the concept of food rotation. For example, "First In, Fast Out" and "Fast In, First Out" misidentify the primary focus of the FIFO system, which is to prioritize the use of older products first, rather than speed of consumption. "Fixed In, Fixed Out" inaccurately suggests a rigidity in food management that does not align with the core principle of FIFO, which emphasizes the importance of product rotation based on entry dates.