Which practice helps maintain the quality of food during storage?

Labeling foods with dates and contents is essential for maintaining food quality during storage because it ensures that items are used in a timely manner and helps to prevent food waste. By clearly indicating when the food was stored and what it contains, staff can easily identify which foods need to be used first, thus adhering to the "first in, first out" principle. This practice reduces the risk of spoilage and ensures that food is consumed while it is still at its highest quality, thus supporting food safety standards and minimizing the chances of consuming expired or spoiled items.

In contrast, using clear plastic containers can aid visibility but does not directly address the issue of when food should be used. Stacking all items on top of each other can lead to damage or spoilage if items are not accessible for proper inspection and usage. Mixing old and new stock can lead to confusion and increase the risk of older items being overlooked, potentially leading to waste or food safety issues.