Gluten-Free Food Preparation Checklist

Comprehensive gluten-free food preparation checklist for preventing cross-contact and ensuring safe meals for celiac and gluten-intolerant customers.

  • Industry: Food Service
  • Frequency: Per order/Per preparation
  • Estimated Time: 10-15 minutes
  • Role: Chef/Kitchen Staff
  • Total Items: 32
  • Compliance: FDA Gluten-Free Labeling Rule, FALCPA, Celiac Disease Foundation Guidelines

Ingredient Verification

Gluten-free ingredients

  • All ingredients verified gluten-free?
  • Labels checked for hidden gluten?
  • Certified gluten-free products used where possible?

Cross-Contact Prevention

Prevent gluten contamination

  • Prep surface cleaned before use?
  • Equipment cleaned/dedicated for GF?
  • Clean utensils used?
  • Dedicated fryer oil (if frying)?
  • Hands washed after handling gluten?

Preparation Process

Safe cooking

  • GF order prepared first (if possible)?
  • Clean/separate cookware used?
  • Dedicated toaster used (if applicable)?

Service

Delivery to customer

  • GF dish clearly identified for server?
  • Customer informed of GF precautions?

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 Gluten?

This gluten helps food service teams maintain compliance and operational excellence. Designed for chef/kitchen staff professionals, this checklist covers 32 critical inspection points across 8 sections. Recommended frequency: per order/per preparation.

Ensures compliance with FDA Gluten-Free Labeling Rule, FALCPA, Celiac Disease Foundation Guidelines. Regulatory-aligned for audit readiness and inspection documentation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Gluten cover?

This checklist covers 32 inspection items across 8 sections: Ingredient Verification, Cross-Contact Prevention, Preparation Process, Service, 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 per order/per preparation. Each completion takes approximately 10-15 minutes.

Who should use this Gluten?

This checklist is designed for Chef/Kitchen Staff 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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