Which of the following is an instruction provided by storage standards?

Storage standards play a critical role in ensuring that items are maintained in a condition that preserves their quality and usability over time. The correct answer relates to the importance of monitoring the condition of stored materials through visual inspections and laboratory tests. This instruction ensures that potential deterioration or quality issues are identified early, maintaining safety and effectiveness, especially in a military context where the shelf-life of materials can be crucial for operational readiness.

Visual inspections allow personnel to detect any visible signs of damage, contamination, or degradation, while lab testing provides a scientific assessment of the item's integrity. This proactive approach is essential in the context of the Department of Defense, where the reliability of supplies, munitions, and other assets can directly affect mission success.

The other options touch on important aspects of storage as well, such as packaging and labeling, which are factors that contribute to the overall management of items in storage. However, these do not directly emphasize the ongoing assessment of item condition, which is central to maintaining compliance with storage standards.