When rotating inventory using FIFO, what should you label on products?

• A. Received dates and use-by dates
• B. Image of product
• C. The color of packaging
• D. The aisle location

Answer: (B)

Labeling with an image of the product gives a quick, universal cue for which item is which, helping staff rotate stock accurately. When you’re moving inventory, a clear product image on the label lets anyone on the team immediately recognize the exact item in front of them, so older stock is identified and used first without needing to read dates or compare packaging details. In a bakery environment with multiple flavors and similar packaging, this visual reference dramatically reduces mix-ups and speeds up the rotation process. Dates or other cues aren’t as fast or reliable for matching the item you’re grabbing to the right stock, and relying on packaging color or aisle location doesn’t convey which item needs to be rotated first.