Food Product Development Safety Checklist

Comprehensive food product development safety review ensuring new products meet food safety requirements before launch.

  • Industry: Food Manufacturing
  • Frequency: Per new product
  • Estimated Time: 30-60 minutes
  • Role: R&D/Food Safety Team
  • Total Items: 30
  • Compliance: HACCP Principles, FDA FSMA, 21 CFR 117

Formula Review

Ingredient safety

  • All ingredients from approved suppliers?
  • All allergens identified?
  • All additives permitted and within limits?

Hazard Analysis

Safety hazards

  • Biological hazards identified and controlled?
  • Chemical hazards identified and controlled?
  • Physical hazards identified and controlled?

Process Review

Manufacturing safety

  • Critical Control Points identified?
  • Process parameters validated?
  • Shelf life testing completed?

Labeling Review

Label compliance

  • Label meets regulatory requirements?
  • Allergen declaration correct?

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 Product Development Safety Checklist?

This food product development safety checklist helps food manufacturing teams maintain compliance and operational excellence. Designed for r&d/food safety team professionals, this checklist covers 30 critical inspection points across 8 sections. Recommended frequency: per new product.

Ensures compliance with HACCP Principles, FDA FSMA, 21 CFR 117. Regulatory-aligned for audit readiness and inspection documentation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Food Product Development Safety Checklist cover?

This checklist covers 30 inspection items across 8 sections: Formula Review, Hazard Analysis, Process Review, Labeling Review, 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 per new product. Each completion takes approximately 30-60 minutes.

Who should use this Food Product Development Safety Checklist?

This checklist is designed for R&D/Food Safety Team 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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