How should food be labelled in storage?

Labeling food in storage is an essential practice in food safety that helps ensure proper tracking and management of food items. The correct approach is to include the name of the food, the preparation date, and the expiration date on the labels.

This comprehensive labeling serves several important purposes. Firstly, knowing the name of the food helps prevent the misuse and cross-contamination of ingredients, as staff can easily identify products. Including the preparation date is crucial for managing food freshness, ensuring that food is used in a timely manner, and reducing the risk of serving outdated items. The expiration date further aids in food safety by indicating when the food is no longer safe to consume, helping to prevent foodborne illness and waste.

In contrast, labeling only with the name of the food does not provide necessary information about its freshness or usability. Using a generic "food" label lacks specificity, leading to confusion and potentially hazardous situations in a food handling environment. Labeling with only the name of the supplier doesn't inform staff about the nature or safety status of the food, which is critical in a busy kitchen setting where proper food management is vital. Therefore, the most effective and safe way to label food in storage is to include all three key pieces of information mentioned in the correct answer.