What is an essential practice when labeling food containers?

Including the storage date on food containers is essential because it helps ensure food safety and quality. The storage date allows staff to track how long items have been stored, which is important for preventing food spoilage and reducing the risk of foodborne illnesses. Knowing when a product was prepared or opened helps to manage inventory effectively and ensures that food is used within its safe consumption period. Proper labeling with a storage date also aids in complying with food safety regulations and guidelines, ensuring that all staff members are informed about the freshness of the food being served.

While listing ingredients, providing cooking instructions, and mentioning storage temperatures are also valuable practices, they do not directly address the critical aspect of monitoring food safety over time, which the storage date accomplishes.