Ontario Food Handler Certification Practice Exam

Why is it crucial to follow the FIFO rule in food handling?

1. To keep food fresh

2. To maintain inventory

3. To use food in the right order

4. To reduce food waste

The correct answer is: To use food in the right order

Following the FIFO (First In, First Out) rule in food handling is crucial because it ensures that food items are used in the order they were received or prepared. This practice helps to minimize the chances of spoilage and food safety risks, as older items are consumed before newer ones, thus maximizing freshness and reducing the likelihood of foodborne illnesses. By using food in the right order, it prevents older stock from sitting too long, which could lead to it becoming unfit for consumption. This is especially important in environments like restaurants or food service operations, where ensuring food safety is imperative. Although keeping food fresh, maintaining inventory, and reducing food waste are all important aspects of food management, the primary objective of the FIFO rule is to ensure that food is used in the correct order to uphold safety and quality standards.