What should be monitored during food storage to ensure safety?

Monitoring expiration dates of food items is crucial for food safety because it ensures that the food being consumed is still safe and effective in terms of quality and nutrition. Expiration dates indicate the period during which the food is expected to maintain its intended safety and performance. Consuming food past its expiration date can lead to foodborne illnesses caused by harmful bacteria, spoilage, or a loss of nutritional value.

In food storage practices, keeping track of these dates helps prevent waste and supports proper inventory management, which is vital in both personal and institutional settings. This practice ensures that food is used while it's still good, thereby reducing the risk of illness and promoting overall food safety standards.

While factors like the color of food containers, the weight of food items, and the volume of freezer space can be relevant in certain contexts, they do not directly contribute to the assurance of food safety in the same clear and immediate way that tracking expiration dates does.