Food Allergen Cleaning Verification Checklist

Comprehensive allergen cleaning verification checklist for preventing allergen cross-contact during production changeovers.

  • Industry: Food Manufacturing
  • Frequency: Per allergen changeover
  • Estimated Time: 20-30 minutes
  • Role: Sanitation/QA
  • Total Items: 31
  • Compliance: FDA FALCPA, GFSI Standards, PCQI Guidelines

Visual Inspection

Pre-cleaning assessment

  • All previous product removed?
  • Previous packaging materials removed?

Cleaning Process

Allergen cleaning

  • Allergen cleaning procedure completed?
  • All food contact surfaces cleaned?
  • Utensils and tools cleaned?

Verification

Post-cleaning

  • Visual inspection passed?
  • Allergen swab testing performed?
  • Swab results negative/within limits?

Pre-Inspection Information

Initial inspection details and documentation

  • Inspector Name
  • Inspection Date
  • Location / Kitchen Area
  • Inspection Type (Routine/Follow-up/Complaint)
  • Previous inspection date and findings reviewed?

Temperature Control & Monitoring

Verify all temperature-sensitive equipment and food items

  • Refrigerator temperature at or below 41°F (5°C)?
  • Freezer temperature at or below 0°F (-18°C)?
  • Hot holding foods at or above 135°F (57°C)?
  • Thermometers calibrated and functional?
  • Temperature logs current and properly maintained?

Food Handling & Cross-Contamination Prevention

Proper food handling practices and contamination prevention

  • Proper handwashing observed (20 seconds, soap)?
  • Gloves used properly for ready-to-eat foods?
  • Raw and cooked foods properly separated?
  • Color-coded cutting boards used correctly?
  • Allergen cross-contact controls in place?

Food Storage & Labeling

Proper storage, rotation, and labeling of food items

  • FIFO (First In, First Out) rotation followed?
  • All items properly date-labeled?
  • Food stored 6 inches off floor?
  • No expired products in storage?

Sanitation & Cleaning

Verify cleaning and sanitation standards are met

  • Sanitizer at proper concentration (test strips)?
  • Food contact surfaces clean and sanitized?
  • Cleaning schedule current and followed?
  • No signs of pest activity?

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Why Use This Food Allergen Cleaning Verification Checklist?

This food allergen cleaning verification checklist helps food manufacturing teams maintain compliance and operational excellence. Designed for sanitation/qa professionals, this checklist covers 31 critical inspection points across 8 sections. Recommended frequency: per allergen changeover.

Ensures compliance with FDA FALCPA, GFSI Standards, PCQI Guidelines. Regulatory-aligned for audit readiness and inspection documentation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Food Allergen Cleaning Verification Checklist cover?

This checklist covers 31 inspection items across 8 sections: Visual Inspection, Cleaning Process, Verification, Pre-Inspection Information, Temperature Control & Monitoring, Food Handling & Cross-Contamination Prevention, Food Storage & Labeling, Sanitation & Cleaning. It is designed for food manufacturing operations and compliance.

How often should this checklist be completed?

This checklist should be completed per allergen changeover. Each completion takes approximately 20-30 minutes.

Who should use this Food Allergen Cleaning Verification Checklist?

This checklist is designed for Sanitation/QA professionals in the food manufacturing 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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