Ontario Food Handler Certification Practice Exam

What does 'date marking' in food storage refer to?

1. Creating a schedule for food delivery

2. Indicating the date by which food should be consumed

3. Labeling food with its nutritional information

4. Tracking inventory for restaurant supplies

The correct answer is: Indicating the date by which food should be consumed

Date marking in food storage refers to the practice of indicating the date by which food should be consumed. This is a critical component of food safety because it helps ensure that food is used within a safe timeframe, preventing the consumption of spoiled or potentially harmful items. By properly date marking food, food handlers can easily monitor freshness and reduce the risk of foodborne illnesses. It assists in managing stock effectively and allows for the implementation of the FIFO (First In, First Out) method, which is essential for maintaining food quality and safety. The other options relate to different aspects of food management or storage but do not specifically address the safety concern of when food should be consumed. For instance, creating a schedule for food delivery is about timing supply logistics rather than tracking food safety, and labeling food with its nutritional information pertains to informing consumers about the contents rather than ensuring freshness. Tracking inventory for restaurant supplies relates to stock management but does not involve the safe consumption period of perishable food items.