Seafood Department Food Safety Checklist

FREE seafood counter and fish market safety checklist with FDA HACCP and Scombrotoxin control. Covers receiving, ice storage, display temperatures, and traceability. Multi-market standards for US FDA, UK FSA, India FSSAI, Brazil ANVISA, Mexico COFEPRIS, and Colombia INVIMA. Download FREE PDF with 50+ inspection points.

  • Industry: Food
  • Frequency: Daily
  • Estimated Time: 25-35 minutes
  • Role: Operations Manager
  • Total Items: 33
  • Compliance: FDA Food Code 2022, 21 CFR 123 (Seafood HACCP), FDA Fish & Fishery Products Guide, UK EC 853/2004 (Seafood Hygiene), UK EC 854/2004 (Official Controls)

Receiving & Traceability

FDA seafood receiving temperature and documentation requirements.

  • All seafood received at 41°F (5°C) or below?
  • Receiving temperatures logged for all deliveries?
  • Shellfish tags present and complete?
  • Seafood from approved, licensed suppliers only?
  • Sensory check passed (smell, appearance, texture)?
  • Packaging intact with no damage or thaw indicators?

Temperature & Ice Management

Critical temperature control for seafood safety.

  • Display case temperature 41°F (5°C) or below?
  • Display Case Temperature (°F)
  • Adequate ice surrounding products on display?
  • Melt water draining properly (not pooling)?
  • Ice made from potable water source?
  • Random product internal temperature verified?
  • Walk-in seafood cooler at proper temperature?

Scombrotoxin (Histamine) Control

FDA HACCP controls for scombrotoxin-forming species.

  • Scombroid species identified and monitored (tuna, mahi, mackerel)?
  • Temperature history verified for high-risk species?
  • Exposure to >40°F limited to 4 hours cumulative?
  • No signs of decomposition (off-odor, soft texture)?

Handling & Preparation

Safe seafood handling and preparation practices.

  • Employees washing hands properly and frequently?
  • Gloves changed between raw and ready-to-eat?
  • Dedicated cutting boards for seafood?
  • Knives and tools cleaned/sanitized between products?
  • Prep sink properly used (not handwash or utility)?
  • Seafood waste properly contained and disposed?

Display & Labeling

Product display and consumer information requirements.

  • All products labeled with correct species name?
  • Country of origin displayed for required species?
  • Wild vs. farm-raised indicated?
  • Shellfish allergen information available?
  • Safe handling/cooking instructions available?
  • Display area clean and well-maintained?

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?

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Why Use This Seafood Department Food Safety Checklist?

This seafood department food safety checklist helps food teams maintain compliance and operational excellence. Designed for operations manager professionals, this checklist covers 33 critical inspection points across 6 sections. Recommended frequency: daily.

Ensures compliance with FDA Food Code 2022, 21 CFR 123 (Seafood HACCP), FDA Fish & Fishery Products Guide, UK EC 853/2004 (Seafood Hygiene), UK EC 854/2004 (Official Controls), India FSSAI FSS (Food Products) Regulations, Brazil RDC 216 ANVISA, Brazil IN 21 (Fishery Products), Mexico NOM-242-SSA1 (Fishery Products), Colombia Resolución 122/2012. Regulatory-aligned for audit readiness and inspection documentation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Seafood Department Food Safety Checklist cover?

This checklist covers 33 inspection items across 6 sections: Receiving & Traceability, Temperature & Ice Management, Scombrotoxin (Histamine) Control, Handling & Preparation, Display & Labeling, Temperature Control & Monitoring. It is designed for food operations and compliance.

How often should this checklist be completed?

This checklist should be completed daily. Each completion takes approximately 25-35 minutes.

Who should use this Seafood Department Food Safety Checklist?

This checklist is designed for Operations Manager professionals in the food 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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