Food Complaint Investigation Checklist
Comprehensive food complaint investigation checklist for systematic handling of consumer complaints and identification of root causes.
- Industry: Food Industry
- Frequency: Per complaint
- Estimated Time: 30-60 minutes
- Role: Quality Assurance
- Total Items: 30
- Compliance: FDA Complaint Handling, GFSI Standards, 21 CFR 117
Complaint Intake
Initial information
- Complaint details fully recorded?
- Consumer contacted for follow-up?
- Sample obtained (if possible)?
Classification
Complaint type
- Complaint type identified?
- Severity rated?
- Regulatory notification required?
Investigation
Root cause
- Production records reviewed?
- Lot/batch traced?
- Root cause identified?
Response
Resolution
- Consumer response provided?
- Corrective actions implemented?
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?
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Why Use This Food Complaint Investigation Checklist?
This food complaint investigation checklist helps food industry teams maintain compliance and operational excellence. Designed for quality assurance professionals, this checklist covers 30 critical inspection points across 8 sections. Recommended frequency: per complaint.
Ensures compliance with FDA Complaint Handling, GFSI Standards, 21 CFR 117. Regulatory-aligned for audit readiness and inspection documentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Food Complaint Investigation Checklist cover?
This checklist covers 30 inspection items across 8 sections: Complaint Intake, Classification, Investigation, Response, Pre-Inspection Information, Temperature Control & Monitoring, Food Handling & Cross-Contamination Prevention, Food Storage & Labeling. It is designed for food industry operations and compliance.
How often should this checklist be completed?
This checklist should be completed per complaint. Each completion takes approximately 30-60 minutes.
Who should use this Food Complaint Investigation Checklist?
This checklist is designed for Quality Assurance professionals in the food industry 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.