Food Defense Security Checklist

Comprehensive food defense checklist for preventing intentional adulteration including access control, personnel security, and vulnerability management.

  • Industry: Food Manufacturing
  • Frequency: Daily/Weekly
  • Estimated Time: 20-30 minutes
  • Role: Food Defense Coordinator
  • Total Items: 31
  • Compliance: FDA FSMA Intentional Adulteration Rule, CARVER+Shock, FDA FOOD DEFENSE PLAN BUILDER

Access Control

Facility security

  • All entry points secured?
  • Visitor sign-in procedures followed?
  • Employee identification verified?
  • Restricted areas secured?

Ingredient Security

Raw material protection

  • Ingredient receipt supervised?
  • Ingredient storage areas secure?
  • Ingredients checked for tampering?

Process Security

Production area security

  • Production areas supervised?
  • Open containers monitored?
  • No unauthorized items in production?

Finished Product Security

Product protection

  • Finished product packaging secure?
  • Shipping area supervised?

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 Defense Security Checklist?

This food defense security checklist helps food manufacturing teams maintain compliance and operational excellence. Designed for food defense coordinator professionals, this checklist covers 31 critical inspection points across 8 sections. Recommended frequency: daily/weekly.

Ensures compliance with FDA FSMA Intentional Adulteration Rule, CARVER+Shock, FDA FOOD DEFENSE PLAN BUILDER. Regulatory-aligned for audit readiness and inspection documentation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Food Defense Security Checklist cover?

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

How often should this checklist be completed?

This checklist should be completed daily/weekly. Each completion takes approximately 20-30 minutes.

Who should use this Food Defense Security Checklist?

This checklist is designed for Food Defense Coordinator 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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