Catering Food Safety Checklist
Comprehensive catering food safety checklist for off-site food service including transport, temperature maintenance, and service protocols.
- Industry: Catering
- Frequency: Every catering event
- Estimated Time: 20-30 minutes
- Role: Catering Manager
- Total Items: 33
- Compliance: FDA Food Code, State/Local Health Codes, ServSafe
Pre-Transport Preparation
Before loading
- All foods at proper temperatures?
- Transport containers clean and sanitized?
- Foods properly covered and protected?
- Hot and cold foods separated?
Transport
During transport
- Transport vehicle clean?
- Temperature maintenance equipment functional?
- Food items secured to prevent spills?
Site Setup
At event location
- Handwashing station available?
- Hot holding equipment at 135°F+?
- Cold holding at 41°F or below?
- Serving utensils available for each dish?
Food Service
During service
- Food temperatures monitored during service?
- Time control for foods at room temp?
- Safe refilling practices (no mixing)?
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
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- Cooling Process Monitoring Checklist
- Sanitizer Concentration Log Checklist
- Food Supplier Audit Checklist
- Food Recall Response Checklist
- Food Label Compliance Review Checklist
- Bakery Food Safety Checklist
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Why Use This Catering Food Safety Checklist?
This catering food safety checklist helps catering teams maintain compliance and operational excellence. Designed for catering manager professionals, this checklist covers 33 critical inspection points across 8 sections. Recommended frequency: every catering event.
Ensures compliance with FDA Food Code, State/Local Health Codes, ServSafe. Regulatory-aligned for audit readiness and inspection documentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Catering Food Safety Checklist cover?
This checklist covers 33 inspection items across 8 sections: Pre-Transport Preparation, Transport, Site Setup, Food Service, Pre-Inspection Information, Temperature Control & Monitoring, Food Handling & Cross-Contamination Prevention, Food Storage & Labeling. It is designed for catering operations and compliance.
How often should this checklist be completed?
This checklist should be completed every catering event. Each completion takes approximately 20-30 minutes.
Who should use this Catering Food Safety Checklist?
This checklist is designed for Catering Manager professionals in the catering 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.