When must ready-to-eat foods in storage be date labeled?

• A. When they are prepared or opened and kept for more than 24 hours
• B. Immediately after preparation
• C. Only if kept more than 30 days
• D. Never require labeling

Answer: (A)

Date labeling is required for ready-to-eat, potentially hazardous foods once you plan to store them for more than 24 hours. The label should show the date the item was prepared or opened and the date by which it should be used, typically within seven days. This helps ensure foods are kept safe by giving staff a clear timeline for use or discard. If the item is kept for 24 hours or less, labeling isn’t required. The other options don’t fit because labeling immediately after preparation isn’t necessary for items stored under 24 hours, 30 days is longer than the standard safe window, and never labeling would ignore this safety rule.