Which food storage method helps ensure food safety?

Labeling containers with usage dates is essential for ensuring food safety because it allows food handlers to monitor the freshness and safety of food items. Knowing when a food item was prepared or opened helps in making informed decisions about its storage duration and readiness for consumption. This practice assists in preventing foodborne illnesses by reducing the risk of consuming expired or potentially spoiled food.

Additionally, it aids in managing inventory effectively, ensuring that older items are utilized first, in line with the "first in, first out" principle. This method is a critical part of maintaining a safe food storage environment since it minimizes the chances of foods being kept for too long, which can lead to microbial growth and contamination.

The other choices may have benefits but do not directly enhance food safety in the same way that proper labeling does. For instance, using transparent containers can help with visual identification, but it does not provide information about shelf life. Airing out containers may not prevent contamination or spoilage effectively, and stacking containers high can lead to organization issues and increase the risk of spills or accidents, ultimately compromising food safety.