Food Receiving Inspection Checklist

Comprehensive food receiving inspection to verify incoming products meet food safety standards including temperature, quality, and documentation requirements.

  • Industry: Food Service
  • Frequency: Every delivery
  • Estimated Time: 10-20 minutes
  • Role: Receiving Staff/Kitchen Manager
  • Total Items: 32
  • Compliance: FDA Food Code, State/Local Health Codes, HACCP Prerequisite Programs

Delivery Vehicle Inspection

Vehicle condition

  • Delivery vehicle clean?
  • No evidence of pests?
  • Vehicle temperature appropriate (refrigerated)?

Temperature Verification

Product temperatures

  • Refrigerated items 41°F (5°C) or below?
  • Frozen items 0°F (-18°C) or below?
  • Temperatures documented?

Product Condition

Quality and packaging

  • Packaging intact, no damage?
  • No signs of contamination?
  • Use-by/expiration dates acceptable?
  • Product quality acceptable (color, odor)?

Documentation

Supplier documents

  • Invoice matches order and delivery?
  • Country of origin labeled (seafood)?
  • Specification sheets available?

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 Food Receiving Inspection Checklist?

This food receiving inspection checklist helps food service teams maintain compliance and operational excellence. Designed for receiving staff/kitchen manager professionals, this checklist covers 32 critical inspection points across 8 sections. Recommended frequency: every delivery.

Ensures compliance with FDA Food Code, State/Local Health Codes, HACCP Prerequisite Programs. Regulatory-aligned for audit readiness and inspection documentation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Food Receiving Inspection Checklist cover?

This checklist covers 32 inspection items across 8 sections: Delivery Vehicle Inspection, Temperature Verification, Product Condition, Documentation, Pre-Inspection Information, Temperature Control & Monitoring, Food Handling & Cross-Contamination Prevention, Food Storage & Labeling. It is designed for food service operations and compliance.

How often should this checklist be completed?

This checklist should be completed every delivery. Each completion takes approximately 10-20 minutes.

Who should use this Food Receiving Inspection Checklist?

This checklist is designed for Receiving Staff/Kitchen Manager professionals in the 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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