Airline Catering and Food Safety Checklist
This airline catering and food safety checklist ensures compliance with FDA Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) preventive controls, IATA Catering Quality Management (CQM) Guide standards, WHO food safety guidelines for inflight catering, HACCP-based food safety management systems, and ICAO airline catering hygiene requirements. Designed for airline caterers and inflight services managers to verify food safety during preparation, loading, and delivery of inflight meals.
- Industry: Aviation
- Frequency: Daily
- Estimated Time: 45-60 minutes
- Role: Inflight Services Quality Manager / Catering Supervisor
- Total Items: 30
- Compliance: FDA FSMA Preventive Controls Rule (21 CFR Part 117), IATA Catering Quality Management (CQM) Guide, WHO Technical Report Series 908 Inflight Catering Hygiene, HACCP Principles and Application Guidelines, ICAO Doc 9284 Inflight Catering Safety Requirements
HACCP and Food Safety Management
HACCP plan implementation.
- HACCP plan current and being implemented?
- All Critical Control Points (CCPs) being monitored at required frequency?
- Corrective actions taken and documented for CCP deviations?
- HACCP verification activities (audits, testing) on schedule?
- HACCP monitoring records complete and retained per FSMA?
Temperature Control
Food temperature throughout production.
- Cooking temperatures verified reaching minimum safe temps?
- Cooling of cooked foods within FDA 2-hour/4-hour limits?
- Cold storage temperatures at or below 41°F (5°C)?
- Hot holding temperatures at or above 135°F (57°C)?
- Catering truck refrigeration holding temps verified?
Personal Hygiene
Food handler hygiene compliance.
- Proper handwashing being observed before food handling?
- Gloves worn for ready-to-eat food handling?
- Sick employees excluded from food handling (vomiting/diarrhea)?
- Hair restraints worn by all food handlers?
- No bare-hand contact with ready-to-eat foods?
Allergen Management
Food allergen control.
- All meals labeled with allergen information?
- Special meals (nut-free, gluten-free) prepared separately?
- Equipment cleaned between allergen and non-allergen foods?
- Airline meal specifications (SPML) being followed for special meals?
- Kosher/Halal meal integrity maintained (sealed/certified)?
Aircraft Loading and Security
Catering to aircraft delivery.
- Trolleys and containers sealed before leaving kitchen?
- Catering items screened per airport security program?
- Seals verified intact by flight attendants at loading?
- Meals and beverages loaded to correct aircraft and cabin?
- Meal quantities verified against passenger count?
Catering Records
Catering quality documentation.
- Production temperature records complete for shift?
- Food hold samples retained per IATA CQM guide?
- Passenger food complaint log maintained?
- Supplier certificates of conformance on file?
- Catering Operations Notes
Related Aviation Checklists
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- Aviation Accident and Incident Reporting Checklist
Related Airline Safety Checklists
- Airline Operations Control Center (OCC) Daily Operations Checklist - FREE Download
- Airline Crew Training Records and Qualification Audit Checklist - FREE Download
Why Use This Airline Catering and Food Safety Checklist?
This airline catering and food safety checklist helps aviation teams maintain compliance and operational excellence. Designed for inflight services quality manager / catering supervisor professionals, this checklist covers 30 critical inspection points across 6 sections. Recommended frequency: daily.
Ensures compliance with FDA FSMA Preventive Controls Rule (21 CFR Part 117), IATA Catering Quality Management (CQM) Guide, WHO Technical Report Series 908 Inflight Catering Hygiene, HACCP Principles and Application Guidelines, ICAO Doc 9284 Inflight Catering Safety Requirements. Regulatory-aligned for audit readiness and inspection documentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Airline Catering and Food Safety Checklist cover?
This checklist covers 30 inspection items across 6 sections: HACCP and Food Safety Management, Temperature Control, Personal Hygiene, Allergen Management, Aircraft Loading and Security, Catering Records. It is designed for aviation operations and compliance.
How often should this checklist be completed?
This checklist should be completed daily. Each completion takes approximately 45-60 minutes.
Who should use this Airline Catering and Food Safety Checklist?
This checklist is designed for Inflight Services Quality Manager / Catering Supervisor professionals in the aviation industry. It can be used for self-assessments, team audits, and regulatory compliance documentation.
Can I download this checklist as a PDF?
Yes, this checklist is available as a free PDF download. You can also use it digitally in the POPProbe mobile app for real-time data capture, photo documentation, and automatic reporting.