Food Receiving Inspection Checklist
What is a food receiving inspection? A food receiving inspection is a critical food safety control required by FDA Food Code 3-202.11 to verify that incoming food products meet safety and quality standards. This checklist ensures proper temperature verification, packaging inspection, date code checking, and supplier documentation review to prevent contaminated or spoiled products from entering your food establishment.
- Industry: Food Service / Restaurant / Hotel
- Frequency: Each delivery
- Estimated Time: 10-20 minutes per delivery
- Role: Receiving Clerk / Kitchen Manager / Chef
- Total Items: 39
- Compliance: FDA Food Code 3-202.11, FDA FSMA, HACCP Receiving CCP, ServSafe Standards, FSA Food Safety (UK)
Temperature Verification
Check temperatures of TCS (Temperature Control for Safety) foods per FDA Food Code.
- Refrigerated items at 41°F (5°C) or below?
- Frozen items solidly frozen (0°F/-18°C or below)?
- Hot foods at 135°F (57°C) or above?
- Dairy products at proper temp?
- Fresh meat/poultry temp?
- Fresh seafood temp?
- Receiving thermometer calibrated?
- Temperature log updated with readings?
Packaging & Container Condition
Inspect all packaging for damage that could indicate contamination.
- All packages sealed and intact?
- No tears, punctures, or holes in packaging?
- Cans free of dents, rust, swelling, leaks?
- Vacuum-packed items properly sealed?
- No water damage or staining?
- No evidence of pests (droppings, gnawing)?
- All labels present and legible?
- Tamper-evident seals intact?
Product Quality Inspection
Verify product quality meets specifications.
- Product appearance acceptable (color, texture)?
- Odor normal (no off-odors)?
- Produce free of mold, slime, excessive bruising?
- Frozen items free of large ice crystals?
- Eggs clean, uncracked, refrigerated?
- Dairy packaging clean, no bloating?
- Product meets order specifications (grade, size)?
Date Codes & Expiration
Verify all products are within date and properly coded.
- Use-by/Expiration dates valid (not expired)?
- Adequate remaining shelf life for intended use?
- Lot codes/batch numbers recorded?
- FIFO rotation planned for storage?
- Date labels applied to products without printed dates?
Documentation & Compliance
Verify all required documentation is present and accurate.
- Invoice matches items delivered (quantities, products)?
- Prices match agreed/contract prices?
- Shellfish tags present (retain 90 days)?
- Country of origin labeling present (COOL)?
- Organic certification present (if claimed)?
- Allergen information available?
- Supplier is approved and on file?
Temperature Control & Monitoring
Food temperature safety verification
- Cold holding at 41°F/5°C or below?
- Hot holding at 135°F/57°C or above?
- Thermometer calibrated and accurate?
- Temperature log current and complete?
Related Food & Hospitality Checklists
- Walk-in Cooler/Freezer Inspection Checklist
- Kitchen Deep Clean Checklist
- Food Truck Inspection Checklist
- Catering Event Safety Checklist
- Pest Control Inspection Checklist
- Bakery Sanitation Checklist
- Supplier Food Safety Audit Checklist
- Cross-Contamination Prevention Checklist
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Why Use This Food Receiving Inspection Checklist?
This food receiving inspection checklist helps food service / restaurant / hotel teams maintain compliance and operational excellence. Designed for receiving clerk / kitchen manager / chef professionals, this checklist covers 39 critical inspection points across 6 sections. Recommended frequency: each delivery.
Ensures compliance with FDA Food Code 3-202.11, FDA FSMA, HACCP Receiving CCP, ServSafe Standards, FSA Food Safety (UK), EC 852/2004 (EU), FSSAI Regulations (India). Regulatory-aligned for audit readiness and inspection documentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Food Receiving Inspection Checklist cover?
This checklist covers 39 inspection items across 6 sections: Temperature Verification, Packaging & Container Condition, Product Quality Inspection, Date Codes & Expiration, Documentation & Compliance, Temperature Control & Monitoring. It is designed for food service / restaurant / hotel operations and compliance.
How often should this checklist be completed?
This checklist should be completed each delivery. Each completion takes approximately 10-20 minutes per delivery.
Who should use this Food Receiving Inspection Checklist?
This checklist is designed for Receiving Clerk / Kitchen Manager / Chef professionals in the food service / restaurant / hotel 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.