Vending Machine Food Safety Checklist

Comprehensive vending machine food safety checklist for TCS food vending machines covering temperature, dating, and sanitation requirements.

  • Industry: Vending
  • Frequency: Per service visit
  • Estimated Time: 10-15 minutes
  • Role: Vending Operator
  • Total Items: 31
  • Compliance: FDA Food Code, State Vending Regulations, NSF Standards

Temperature Control

TCS food temperature

  • Machine interior temp at 41°F or below?
  • Product temperatures verified?
  • Temperature display/thermometer working?

Product Condition

Food quality

  • All products within sell-by dates?
  • Expired products removed?
  • All packaging intact?
  • New stock placed behind existing?

Machine Condition

Equipment cleanliness

  • Machine exterior clean?
  • Interior surfaces clean?
  • Dispensing area clean?

Functionality

Machine operation

  • Payment system working?
  • Products dispensing properly?

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 Vending Machine Food Safety Checklist?

This vending machine food safety checklist helps vending teams maintain compliance and operational excellence. Designed for vending operator professionals, this checklist covers 31 critical inspection points across 8 sections. Recommended frequency: per service visit.

Ensures compliance with FDA Food Code, State Vending Regulations, NSF Standards. Regulatory-aligned for audit readiness and inspection documentation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Vending Machine Food Safety Checklist cover?

This checklist covers 31 inspection items across 8 sections: Temperature Control, Product Condition, Machine Condition, Functionality, Pre-Inspection Information, Temperature Control & Monitoring, Food Handling & Cross-Contamination Prevention, Food Storage & Labeling. It is designed for vending operations and compliance.

How often should this checklist be completed?

This checklist should be completed per service visit. Each completion takes approximately 10-15 minutes.

Who should use this Vending Machine Food Safety Checklist?

This checklist is designed for Vending Operator professionals in the vending 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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