What does the term "FIFO" stand for in food storage practices?

The term "FIFO" stands for "First In First Out," which is a widely used food storage practice. This method ensures that the oldest stock of food items is used before newer stock, helping to prevent spoilage and waste. By organizing inventory in this manner, kitchens can ensure that ingredients are utilized while they are still fresh, thereby maintaining quality and safety standards in food preparation.

Effective inventory management using FIFO is crucial in establishing an efficient workflow in the kitchen and is especially important in a fast-paced environment like Chipotle, where maintaining ingredient quality directly impacts customer satisfaction. Utilizing this system also helps with cost management by minimizing waste, as food items are used within their shelf life.