FIFO Compliance Walk

Inspection template for verifying first-in, first-out inventory rotation, shelf-life dating, and identification of obsolete or expired materials.

FIFO Rotation Practices

• Older stock is positioned ahead of newer stock for issue
  Observe whether the oldest usable materials are stored in a way that makes them the first items picked for use or shipment.
• Inventory pick locations show clear FIFO rotation
  Check whether pick faces, bins, racks, or shelves are organized so that rotation is obvious and consistent.
• Receiving and put-away process supports FIFO rotation
  Confirm new receipts are placed behind or below existing stock, or otherwise controlled to preserve FIFO order.
• No mixed lots or dates are stored without clear segregation
  Verify that different lot numbers, receipt dates, or shelf-life dates are separated or clearly identified to prevent picking errors.

Shelf-Life Dating and Labeling

• Shelf-life, expiration, or retest date is visible on each applicable item
  Check that date-sensitive materials have a legible date label or container marking visible without moving the product.
• Date labels are legible, intact, and not obscured
  Inspect labels for smearing, fading, peeling, or obstruction by tape, shrink wrap, or over-labeling.
• Materials are within shelf-life limits
  Record the number of items found past expiration, past retest date, or beyond the approved shelf-life window.
• Date format is standardized and understood by staff
  Confirm the site uses a consistent date format and that labels can be interpreted without ambiguity.

Obsolete, Expired, and Damaged Material Control

• Expired materials are segregated from usable inventory
  Verify expired or out-of-date materials are physically separated in a designated hold area or quarantine location.
• Obsolete materials are identified and marked for disposition
  Check whether obsolete items are tagged, listed, or otherwise identified for return, scrap, rework, or disposal.
• Damaged, leaking, swollen, or compromised containers are removed from service
  Inspect for containers or packaging that could affect product integrity, traceability, or safe handling.
• Quarantine or hold area is clearly labeled and controlled
  Verify non-conforming materials are stored in a clearly identified area with access controls or status labeling.

Storage Organization and Housekeeping

• Inventory is stored off the floor and protected from contamination or damage
  Check that materials are stored on racks, pallets, shelving, or other approved supports as applicable.
• Aisles and access paths allow inspection and retrieval without moving unrelated stock
  Verify materials can be accessed safely and that blocked access is not causing rotation errors or hidden expired stock.
• Inventory counts match visible labels and storage locations
  Spot-check whether the physical location, label, and apparent quantity align with the inventory control record.
• Housekeeping prevents accumulation of unidentified stock
  Look for loose, unlabeled, or mixed materials that could become obsolete, expired, or untraceable.