Retail Food Establishment Self-Inspection Checklist
Comprehensive self-inspection checklist for retail food establishments to ensure compliance with health department requirements before inspections.
- Industry: Food Service
- Frequency: Weekly/Monthly
- Estimated Time: 30-45 minutes
- Role: Manager/Owner
- Total Items: 32
- Compliance: FDA Food Code, State/Local Health Codes
Food Temperature Control
TCS food temperatures
- Cold foods at 41°F or below?
- Hot foods at 135°F or above?
- Proper cooking temperatures achieved?
- Thermometers available and accurate?
Employee Health & Hygiene
Personnel practices
- Proper handwashing observed?
- Ill employees excluded from work?
- Hair restraints and clean attire?
Contamination Prevention
Cross-contamination controls
- Raw and cooked foods separated?
- Sanitizer available and at proper concentration?
- Food contact surfaces clean?
Facility Maintenance
Physical facility
- No evidence of pest activity?
- Facility in good repair?
- Proper waste disposal?
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?
Related Food & Hospitality Checklists
- Food Defense Security Checklist
- Food Supplier Audit Checklist
- Food Recall Response Checklist
- Food Label Compliance Review Checklist
- Catering Food Safety Checklist
- School Cafeteria Food Safety Checklist
- Food Truck Safety Inspection Checklist
- Cooling Process Monitoring Checklist
Related Food Safety Checklists
- HACCP Plan Audit Checklist - FREE Download
- Food Receiving Inspection Checklist - FREE Download
- Walk-in Cooler/Freezer Inspection Checklist - FREE Download
- Kitchen Deep Clean Checklist - FREE Download
- Food Truck Inspection Checklist - FREE Download
- Catering Event Safety Checklist - FREE Download
- Pest Control Inspection Checklist - FREE Download
- Bakery Sanitation Checklist - FREE Download
- Supplier Food Safety Audit Checklist - FREE Download
- Cross-Contamination Prevention Checklist - FREE Download
Why Use This Retail Food Establishment Self-Inspection Checklist?
This retail food establishment self-inspection checklist helps food service teams maintain compliance and operational excellence. Designed for manager/owner professionals, this checklist covers 32 critical inspection points across 8 sections. Recommended frequency: weekly/monthly.
Ensures compliance with FDA Food Code, State/Local Health Codes. Regulatory-aligned for audit readiness and inspection documentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Retail Food Establishment Self-Inspection Checklist cover?
This checklist covers 32 inspection items across 8 sections: Food Temperature Control, Employee Health & Hygiene, Contamination Prevention, Facility Maintenance, Pre-Inspection Information, Temperature Control & Monitoring, Food Handling & Cross-Contamination Prevention, Food Storage & Labeling. It is designed for food service operations and compliance.
How often should this checklist be completed?
This checklist should be completed weekly/monthly. Each completion takes approximately 30-45 minutes.
Who should use this Retail Food Establishment Self-Inspection Checklist?
This checklist is designed for Manager/Owner professionals in the food service 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.