Food Hold Release Procedure Checklist
Comprehensive hold and release procedure checklist for managing non-conforming or suspect food products.
- Industry: Food Manufacturing
- Frequency: Per hold event
- Estimated Time: 20-30 minutes
- Role: Quality Assurance
- Total Items: 33
- Compliance: FDA FSMA, GFSI Standards, 21 CFR 117
Product Hold
Initiate hold
- Affected product identified and segregated?
- Product clearly marked 'ON HOLD'?
- Inventory secured?
Investigation
Root cause
- Cause of hold determined?
- Necessary testing completed?
- Results reviewed?
Disposition Decision
Final action
- Disposition determined?
- Released for sale?
- Approved for rework?
- Destroyed?
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
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- Food Safety Management Review Checklist
- Food Security Daily Check Checklist
- Food Allergen Cleaning Verification Checklist
- Restaurant Daily Opening Procedures Checklist
- QSR Opening Checklist
- QSR Closing Checklist
- Fast Casual Opening Checklist
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Why Use This Food Hold Release Procedure Checklist?
This food hold release procedure checklist helps food manufacturing teams maintain compliance and operational excellence. Designed for quality assurance professionals, this checklist covers 33 critical inspection points across 8 sections. Recommended frequency: per hold event.
Ensures compliance with FDA FSMA, GFSI Standards, 21 CFR 117. Regulatory-aligned for audit readiness and inspection documentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Food Hold Release Procedure Checklist cover?
This checklist covers 33 inspection items across 8 sections: Product Hold, Investigation, Disposition Decision, 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 hold event. Each completion takes approximately 20-30 minutes.
Who should use this Food Hold Release Procedure Checklist?
This checklist is designed for Quality Assurance 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.