FIFO VS FEFO
THE KITCHEN DEBATE MOST MANAGERS GET WRONG
1 WHERE EACH SYSTEM FITS
DRY STORE OR PACKAGING CODES USE FIFO
Old, older, and oldest stock sit on the shelf. FIFO ensures you use the older stock first.
FRESH PERISHABLES USE FEFO
Fresh items like meat, fish, and dairy are organized by explicit expiration dates (May 20, May 22, May 25). FEFO ensures you check the date and use the earliest expiry first.
2 THE REAL PROBLEM
THE RECEIVING PIPELINE
A supplier truck makes a delivery today.
The new batch arriving has an expiration date of May 18.
THE DECISION POINT
Ask this crucial question: Does the incoming delivery expire sooner than the stock you already have on hand?
IF YES
Reject the delivery. This is a receiving failure. You must maintain strict specifications and accept only good, viable dates to protect your inventory.
IF NO
Accept the delivery because it has a good date.
THE BENEFITS DOWNSTREAM
By controlling the door, the FEFO stock in storage (May 18, May 20, May 22) naturally aligns with a clean FIFO rotation.
Line cooks experience smooth operations with reliable, fresh prep.
The ultimate business result is lower food costs.
FIX IT AT THE DOOR
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