A stock rotation method where older stock is used or sold before newer stock to keep food within date.
A stock rotation method where older stock is used or sold before newer stock to keep food within date. FIFO stands for First In, First Out. It is a stock rotation method where the food that arrived first, and therefore usually has the earliest use-by or best-before date, is used or sold before newer stock. The goal is to make sure food is used while it is still safe and of good quality, reducing the risk of serving out-of-date food and cutting waste. FIFO is a simple but important part of good food handling and stock control. It works by placing newer deliveries behind or below existing stock, so staff naturally reach for the oldest items first. While FIFO is not a specific standard in the Food Standards Code, it supports compliance with the food safety requirements around not using unsafe or out-of-date food. In an Australian kitchen, cool room or storeroom, FIFO is applied every time stock is put away. When a delivery arrives, staff move older stock to the front and place new stock behind it, checking and recording dates as they go. This applies to fridges, freezers, dry stores and display cabinets alike. FIFO is often paired with clear labelling and date checks in opening and closing routines. Some businesses use a related idea, First Expired, First Out, where items are arranged by earliest date rather than strictly by arrival, which matters when a newer delivery has a shorter date than older stock already on hand. A cafe receives a new carton of milk on Tuesday. The cool room already holds cartons delivered on Sunday. Following FIFO, staff move the Sunday cartons to the front and place the Tuesday carton behind them, so the older milk is used first and reaches its use-by date on the shelf rather than in the bin.
Frequently asked questions
What does FIFO stand for?
FIFO stands for First In, First Out, a stock rotation method where older stock is used or sold before newer stock.
Why is FIFO important in a food business?
FIFO helps ensure food is used while still safe and of good quality, reduces the risk of serving out-of-date food and cuts waste.
Is FIFO required by law?
FIFO is not a specific requirement in the Food Standards Code, but it is a recognised good practice that supports compliance with the rules on not using unsafe or out-of-date food.
How do you apply FIFO when putting stock away?
Place newer stock behind or below existing stock so the oldest items are reached first, and check use-by and best-before dates as you go.
What is the difference between FIFO and FEFO?
FIFO uses order of arrival, while FEFO, First Expired First Out, arranges stock by earliest date, which is safer when a newer delivery has a shorter date than older stock.
