First In, First Out — use older stock before newer stock to reduce waste and avoid expired food.

What is the difference between use-by and best-before?

Use-by is a safety date (don't sell after it); best-before is about quality.

Where should raw meat be stored in the fridge?

Below ready-to-eat food, with raw poultry and mince at the bottom.

How can I revise food storage & labelling quickly?

Use topic-drill mode for food storage & labelling and read the explanation on every question you miss, then re-test. Flashcards and a full 40-question practice test help the knowledge stick before your assessment.

Food Storage & Labelling

Correct storage keeps food safe and prevents waste. The key ideas are temperature control, separation, and stock rotation (FIFO).

Label prepared food with a name and date so it is used within safe limits.

Fridge order and FIFO

Store ready-to-eat food above raw, with raw poultry and mince at the bottom so juices can't drip down. Use First In, First Out — older stock to the front. Keep fridges ≤5°C and don't overload them.

Dates and packaging

Use-by is a safety date (don't sell or eat after it); best-before is quality. Transfer opened cans to covered food-grade containers, label and refrigerate. Discard swollen or damaged cans.

How to revise food storage & labelling for the exam

Get FIFO, the top-to-bottom fridge order and use-by versus best-before solid — they recur constantly. The questions are usually scenario-based, so practise applying the rule rather than just reciting it. Work through the Food Storage & Labelling drill below until you can answer without hesitating, review anything you get wrong, then sit a full timed test to confirm you are exam-ready.

Common exam traps

Use-by = safety (must discard); best-before = quality (may still be fine).
Raw meat goes BELOW ready-to-eat food, never above.
A swollen can can mean dangerous spoilage — never use it.

Food Storage & Labelling FAQ

What does FIFO mean?+: First In, First Out — use older stock before newer stock to reduce waste and avoid expired food.
What is the difference between use-by and best-before?+: Use-by is a safety date (don't sell after it); best-before is about quality.
Where should raw meat be stored in the fridge?+: Below ready-to-eat food, with raw poultry and mince at the bottom.
How can I revise food storage & labelling quickly?+: Use topic-drill mode for food storage & labelling and read the explanation on every question you miss, then re-test. Flashcards and a full 40-question practice test help the knowledge stick before your assessment.

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Drill food storage & labelling questions, or take a full 40-question practice test. Instant feedback, no sign-up.

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Study all 12 topics

Food Standards Code & Legislation Food Handler Responsibilities Temperature & Danger Zone Cross Contamination Personal Hygiene Cleaning & Sanitising Allergen Management Pest Control HACCP Basics Food Safety Supervisor Duties High-Risk Foods & Vulnerable Groups

Written and reviewed by the Food Safety Practice AU editorial team. Last reviewed June 2026. Based on the Food Standards Code (FSANZ) and Australian state/territory food authorities. General guidance only — not official certification.