Maximizing Profitability & Controlling Labor Costs through Food Rotation
Labeling and rotating products often receives groans from staff when faced with this duty, one more “cumbersome” task that needs to be done in a busy workday. But not only is FIFO (First in First Out) rotation and datemarking important for both food safety and quality, a prime benefit for preprinted labels is actually helping staff to better optimize their time, speed up the labeling process, and make their job easier.
Labeling products incorrectly (e.g., inconsistent information and handwriting errors) can interfere with proper food rotation and timely use, and results in an unclear labeling process that varies by employee. Daydots pre-printed labels or an automated printing program are a solution to this inconsistency, making the food rotation process work more seamlessly for all.
by Cindy Rice, RS, CPFS Eastern Food Safety
More Accurate Information
Errors of omission are less frequent when using either pre-printed labels or a pre-programmed automated printer. They both cue employees on specific labeling items needed by management and encourage complete, standardized labelling, with significant time savings. Training staff on filling out labels or printing pre-programmed labels becomes easier when you take out the guesswork. Bilingual and color-coded options are also available, where Use-by dates are marked by color, not words, minimizing errors and ambiguities. Also, health department compliance with labeling requirements may be improved-critical information is more easily identifiable during inspections when a standardized labeling process is being used in the facility.
Labor and Materials Cost Savings
The age-old dilemma of using Masking tape vs. Pre-printed labels is finally answered. When using masking tape as a label, there is less control over how much tape is used at a time, plus tape tends to occasionally “disappear” from the premises for packing boxes or other projects. The extra time required for handwriting information on tape or blank labels also results in a weak labelling solution that can be expensive, inconsistent, illegible and basically ineffective.
Daydots labels actually represent a more controlled labeling cost, with pre-cut labels to help you optimize the number of uses out of each roll, every time. Pre-printed Daydots labels are also standardized with critical information that needs to be captured (taking out the costly guesswork) and easily removed for proper equipment cleaning, saving both time and money.
As an added benefit, color-coded labels help employees quickly and easily identify which foods need to be used or discarded and rotated effectively, a labor and cost savings overall. When pulling foods from the refrigerator, the color coded day of the week markings are easily identifiable, which can cross over communication barriers and facilitate effective FIFO rotation, and save time too.
Of extra value is an automated printing system that can help speed up the food labeling process significantly. The machine is pre-programmed with the correct shelf-life and appropriate product information for your facility, and labels pop out with a push of the button for selected products. The information can be updated as needed and also comes with color-coding options.
Labeling products incorrectly (e.g., inconsistent information and handwriting errors) can interfere with proper food rotation and timely use, and results in an unclear labeling process that varies by employee. Daydots pre-printed labels or an automated printing program are a solution to this inconsistency, making the food rotation process work more seamlessly for all.