FEFO is used for which type of items?

• A. Non-expiry based items.
• B. Bulk packaging materials.
• C. Vaccines.
• D. Medicines with expiry dates.

Answer: (D)

FEFO means first expiry, first out. It’s an inventory approach used for items with a limited shelf life so the stock with the earliest expiry date is used or dispensed first. This minimizes waste and protects patient safety by reducing the chance of dispensing expired medicines.

That’s why medicines with expiry dates is the best fit. Non-expiry based items don’t have an expiry to guide the order of use, so FEFO isn’t relevant there. Bulk packaging materials typically don’t carry expiry concerns in the same way, so FEFO isn’t applied to them. Vaccines do have expiry dates, but the general principle applies to medicines with expiry dates, which covers vaccines as well; the option specifically naming medicines with expiry dates is the most appropriate overall category. FEFO thus helps ensure older stock is used before it expires, maintaining quality and reducing waste.