Cooling Process Monitoring Checklist
Comprehensive cooling process monitoring to ensure TCS foods are cooled safely within FDA Food Code time-temperature requirements.
- Industry: Food Service
- Frequency: Every cooling event
- Estimated Time: Throughout cooling
- Role: Kitchen Staff
- Total Items: 32
- Compliance: FDA Food Code, HACCP, State/Local Health Codes
Initial Documentation
Starting point
- Cooking complete (reached safe temp)?
- Starting temperature documented?
- Start time documented?
Cooling Method
Method used
- Placed in shallow pans (2 inches or less)?
- Ice bath used (if applicable)?
- Stirred periodically?
- Blast chiller used (if available)?
Stage 1: 135°F to 70°F
First 2 hours
- Temperature at 1 hour documented?
- Temperature at 2 hours documented?
- Reached 70°F within 2 hours?
Stage 2: 70°F to 41°F
Next 4 hours
- Continued temperature monitoring?
- Reached 41°F within total 6 hours?
- Final 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?
Related Food & Hospitality Checklists
- Daily Kitchen Food Safety Inspection
- Hotel Guest Room Inspection Checklist
- HACCP Plan Audit Checklist
- Food Receiving Inspection Checklist
- Walk-in Cooler/Freezer Inspection Checklist
- Kitchen Deep Clean Checklist