Food Traceability Verification Checklist

Comprehensive food traceability verification checklist for compliance with FDA FSMA Food Traceability Rule and effective recall management.

  • Industry: Food Manufacturing/Distribution
  • Frequency: Monthly/Quarterly
  • Estimated Time: 30-45 minutes
  • Role: Quality Assurance/Food Safety
  • Total Items: 32
  • Compliance: FDA FSMA Section 204, FDA Food Traceability Rule, GFSI Standards

Receiving Traceability

Incoming product records

  • Immediate supplier documented?
  • Lot codes recorded?
  • Receipt date documented?
  • Key Data Elements captured?

Transformation Records

Processing records

  • Input lot codes linked to output?
  • Production date documented?
  • New lot code assigned?

Shipping Traceability

Outgoing product records

  • Immediate customer documented?
  • Lot codes on shipping records?
  • Ship date documented?

Mock Recall Testing

Traceability exercise

  • Mock recall conducted this period?
  • Product successfully traced?
  • Trace time documented?

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 Traceability Verification Checklist?

This food traceability verification checklist helps food manufacturing/distribution teams maintain compliance and operational excellence. Designed for quality assurance/food safety professionals, this checklist covers 32 critical inspection points across 8 sections. Recommended frequency: monthly/quarterly.

Ensures compliance with FDA FSMA Section 204, FDA Food Traceability Rule, GFSI Standards. Regulatory-aligned for audit readiness and inspection documentation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Food Traceability Verification Checklist cover?

This checklist covers 32 inspection items across 8 sections: Receiving Traceability, Transformation Records, Shipping Traceability, Mock Recall Testing, Pre-Inspection Information, Temperature Control & Monitoring, Food Handling & Cross-Contamination Prevention, Food Storage & Labeling. It is designed for food manufacturing/distribution operations and compliance.

How often should this checklist be completed?

This checklist should be completed monthly/quarterly. Each completion takes approximately 30-45 minutes.

Who should use this Food Traceability Verification Checklist?

This checklist is designed for Quality Assurance/Food Safety professionals in the food manufacturing/distribution 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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