A method of tracking food product status using a food product scale, the scale including a weighing station including an associated mechanism for producing weight indicative signals, and an operator interface screen including a display, is provided. The method includes entering product identification information of a food product into a food product scale using an operator interface of the food product scale. The food product scale identifies the food product based on the product information. A shelf life label is printed that includes shelf life information associated with the food product. A shelf life record is created that is saved in memory. The shelf life record includes the product identification information and an expiration date of the food product.