Food Donation Safety Checklist
Comprehensive food donation safety checklist ensuring donated foods meet safety requirements under the Bill Emerson Good Samaritan Food Donation Act.
- Industry: Food Service/Retail
- Frequency: Per donation
- Estimated Time: 15-20 minutes
- Role: Manager/Donation Coordinator
- Total Items: 33
- Compliance: Bill Emerson Good Samaritan Act, FDA Food Code, Feeding America Guidelines
Donation Eligibility
Suitable for donation
- Food is wholesome and in good condition?
- Within use-by or sell-by date (or reasonable)?
- Packaging intact?
Temperature Control
Safe temperatures
- Cold foods at 41°F or below?
- Frozen foods solidly frozen?
- Hot foods at 135°F or above (if applicable)?
Safe Handling
Proper handling
- Food protected from contamination?
- Proper transport arranged?
Documentation
Record keeping
- All items listed with quantities?
- Receipt from receiving org obtained?
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?
Related Food & Hospitality Checklists
- Food Import FSVP Verification Checklist
- Food Manufacturing Environmental Monitoring Checklist
- Food Safety Culture Assessment Checklist
- Food Fraud Vulnerability Assessment Checklist
- Commercial Dishwasher Operation Checklist
- Brew Pub Food Safety Checklist
- Ghost Kitchen Food Safety Checklist
- Sushi Bar Food Safety Checklist
Related Food Safety Checklists
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Why Use This Food Donation Safety Checklist?
This food donation safety checklist helps food service/retail teams maintain compliance and operational excellence. Designed for manager/donation coordinator professionals, this checklist covers 33 critical inspection points across 9 sections. Recommended frequency: per donation.
Ensures compliance with Bill Emerson Good Samaritan Act, FDA Food Code, Feeding America Guidelines. Regulatory-aligned for audit readiness and inspection documentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Food Donation Safety Checklist cover?
This checklist covers 33 inspection items across 9 sections: Donation Eligibility, Temperature Control, Safe Handling, Documentation, Pre-Inspection Information, Temperature Control & Monitoring, Food Handling & Cross-Contamination Prevention, Food Storage & Labeling, Sanitation & Cleaning. It is designed for food service/retail operations and compliance.
How often should this checklist be completed?
This checklist should be completed per donation. Each completion takes approximately 15-20 minutes.
Who should use this Food Donation Safety Checklist?
This checklist is designed for Manager/Donation Coordinator professionals in the food service/retail 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.