Why is it critical to label and date food products?

Labeling and dating food products is essential for ensuring proper rotation and use before expiration. By applying this practice, food handlers can effectively manage inventory and minimize the risk of serving or using food that has passed its safe usage period. Proper rotation, often referred to as "first in, first out" (FIFO), helps maintain food quality and safety, ensuring that older products are used before newer ones. This is particularly important in preventing foodborne illnesses caused by spoiled or expired food items.

While having a tidy kitchen can contribute to an efficient work environment, and impressing customers might be a byproduct of good food handling practices, these reasons do not directly address the safety and health implications that arise from food spoilage. Thus, the focus should primarily be on maintaining food safety through proper labeling and dating.