How should stock be rotated to minimize aging and degradation risks?

• A. Last-in, first-out; ignore shelf life.
• B. Random rotation.
• C. First-in, first-out; monitor shelf life; remove expired items and dispose per policy.
• D. Rotate only when inventory is audited.

Answer: (C)

Using stock in the order it was received to prevent aging and degradation is the key. This means adopting first-in, first-out so the oldest lots are used or issued before newer ones, reducing the time items sit in storage and are exposed to aging factors. Along with FIFO, actively monitoring shelf life keeps you aware of expiry dates and enables proactive retirement or disposal of expired items per policy. This combination safeguards performance, safety, and compliance.

Other approaches miss the point: using newer stock first doesn’t curb aging, random rotation offers no guaranteed ordering, and waiting to rotate only during audits lets items expire unnoticed, increasing risk.