FIFO vs FEFO — Smart Stock Rotation | Nigel A. Thomas

FIFO VS FEFO

RIGHT STOCK, RIGHT TIME, RIGHT QUALITY

Smart Inventory · Less Waste · Better Food Safety · More Profit

FIFOFirst In, First Out

Use the stock that was received first, regardless of expiry date (assuming expiry dates are similar).

Received 1 July → Received 5 July (Milk)

Use 1 July stock first — it arrived earlier.

Dry GroceriesPackagingCleaning Supplies BeveragesDisposablesCanned Goods Kitchen EquipmentNon-Perishables

Prevents old stock from sitting unused
Improves stock rotation discipline
Reduces storage congestion
Simplifies inventory management
Minimizes unnecessary purchases

FEFOFirst Expired, First Out

Use the stock with the earliest expiry date first — even if it was received later.

Received 1 July, Exp 15 July → Received 5 July, Exp 10 July (Yogurt)

Use the 5 July batch first — it expires sooner.

DairyMeat & PoultrySeafood Fresh ProduceEggsBakery SaladsReady-to-Eat Food

Any product with a short shelf life must follow FEFO — no exceptions.

FIFO vs FEFO — AT A GLANCE

FIFO	Basis	FEFO
Receiving date	Based on	Expiry date
Non-perishable stock	Ideal for	Perishable stock
Easy inventory rotation	Strength	Maximum food safety
Reduces overstock	Outcome	Reduces product expiry
Dry stores	Best suited to	Chillers & refrigerators

Common Mistakes

Placing new stock in front of old stock
Ignoring expiry dates
Missing date labels
Mixing batches without identification
Keeping expired products in storage
Skipping regular inventory checks

Best Practices

Label every item with receiving and expiry date
Store new stock behind existing stock
Check expiry dates daily for perishables
Inspect fridges, freezers & dry stores regularly
Remove expired products immediately
Train staff on FIFO and FEFO; audit weekly

Want the full breakdown with stacking rules by category? Read the Full Guide →

Nigel A. Thomas

Global Hospitality & F&B Operations · P&L Growth · Guest Satisfaction · Team Leadership

Open to opportunities — India & Overseas

restgenmgr1952@gmail.com

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