Cafeteria Food Service Inspection

Complete before meal service to ensure food safety.

  • Industry: Education
  • Frequency: Daily
  • Estimated Time: 15-20 minutes
  • Role: Food Service Manager / Cafeteria Staff
  • Total Items: 31
  • Compliance: FDA Food Code, USDA School Meal Programs, State Health Department

Temperature Checks

Verify food temperatures.

  • Walk-in Cooler Temperature
  • Freezer Temperature
  • Hot Holding Temperature (if applicable)
  • Cold Holding Temperature (if applicable)

Food Safety

Verify food safety practices.

  • All prepared food labeled and dated?
  • No expired food items?
  • Hand washing stations stocked?
  • Gloves available for food handling?
  • Allergen information available?

Cleanliness

Check cleanliness standards.

  • Food prep surfaces clean and sanitized?
  • Cooking equipment clean?
  • Floors clean?
  • Trash containers clean and not overflowing?

Initial Setup & Documentation

Complete initial documentation and preparation

  • Inspector / Assessor Name
  • Date
  • Location / Area
  • Inspection Type
  • Previous findings reviewed?

Safety & Compliance Verification

Verify all safety requirements are met

  • All safety protocols being followed?
  • Emergency exits clear and accessible?
  • First aid supplies available and stocked?
  • All hazards identified and controlled?
  • Required PPE being worn correctly?

Operational Standards Check

Verify operational standards and procedures are maintained

  • Standard operating procedures being followed?
  • All equipment in proper working condition?
  • Maintenance schedule current?
  • All staff training current and documented?

Quality Assessment

Evaluate quality standards and performance metrics

  • Quality standards met for all items checked?
  • Any deficiencies or non-conformances identified?
  • Root cause analysis completed for issues?
  • Continuous improvement opportunities identified?

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Why Use This Cafeteria Food Service Inspection?

This cafeteria food service inspection helps education teams maintain compliance and operational excellence. Designed for food service manager / cafeteria staff professionals, this checklist covers 31 critical inspection points across 7 sections. Recommended frequency: daily.

Ensures compliance with FDA Food Code, USDA School Meal Programs, State Health Department. Regulatory-aligned for audit readiness and inspection documentation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Cafeteria Food Service Inspection cover?

This checklist covers 31 inspection items across 7 sections: Temperature Checks, Food Safety, Cleanliness, Initial Setup & Documentation, Safety & Compliance Verification, Operational Standards Check, Quality Assessment. It is designed for education operations and compliance.

How often should this checklist be completed?

This checklist should be completed daily. Each completion takes approximately 15-20 minutes.

Who should use this Cafeteria Food Service Inspection?

This checklist is designed for Food Service Manager / Cafeteria Staff professionals in the education 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.

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