Deli Department Food Safety Checklist

Comprehensive deli department food safety checklist covering slicing equipment sanitation, ready-to-eat food handling, and date marking requirements.

  • Industry: Retail/Food Service
  • Frequency: Daily
  • Estimated Time: 15-20 minutes
  • Role: Deli Manager
  • Total Items: 30
  • Compliance: FDA Food Code, State Retail Food Codes, Listeria Control

Temperature Control

Cold holding

  • Display case at 41°F or below?
  • Sliced meats at proper temperature?
  • Prepared salads at proper temperature?

Slicing Equipment

Slicer sanitation

  • Slicer cleaned every 4 hours?
  • Slicer sanitized after cleaning?
  • Separate slicers for allergen products?

Date Marking

Ready-to-eat dating

  • All RTE foods date-marked?
  • 7-day rule for RTE TCS foods followed?
  • Expired items removed?

Employee Hygiene

Personal practices

  • Gloves used for RTE foods?
  • Proper handwashing?

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 Deli Department Food Safety Checklist?

This deli department food safety checklist helps retail/food service teams maintain compliance and operational excellence. Designed for deli manager professionals, this checklist covers 30 critical inspection points across 8 sections. Recommended frequency: daily.

Ensures compliance with FDA Food Code, State Retail Food Codes, Listeria Control. Regulatory-aligned for audit readiness and inspection documentation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Deli Department Food Safety Checklist cover?

This checklist covers 30 inspection items across 8 sections: Temperature Control, Slicing Equipment, Date Marking, Employee Hygiene, Pre-Inspection Information, Temperature Control & Monitoring, Food Handling & Cross-Contamination Prevention, Food Storage & Labeling. It is designed for retail/food service operations and compliance.

How often should this checklist be completed?

This checklist should be completed daily. Each completion takes approximately 15-20 minutes.

Who should use this Deli Department Food Safety Checklist?

This checklist is designed for Deli Manager professionals in the retail/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.

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