Restaurant Food Safety Opening Checklist
Comprehensive restaurant opening checklist ensuring all food safety requirements are met before service begins.
- Industry: Food Service
- Frequency: Daily
- Estimated Time: 15-20 minutes
- Role: Opening Manager
- Total Items: 32
- Compliance: FDA Food Code, State/Local Health Codes, Company Policy
Equipment Startup
Equipment verification
- All refrigeration units on and at proper temps?
- Hot holding equipment on and heating?
- Dishwasher on and reaching proper temps?
- Cooking equipment functional?
Initial Temperature Check
Pre-service temps
- Cold foods at 41°F or below?
- Frozen foods solidly frozen?
- Thermometers calibrated?
Handwashing Stations
Hand hygiene setup
- Soap dispensers stocked?
- Paper towels stocked?
- Hot water available?
Facility Inspection
General facility
- No evidence of pest activity?
- Floors clean?
- Restrooms clean and stocked?
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
- Food Storage Organization Checklist
- Catering Food Safety Checklist
- School Cafeteria Food Safety Checklist
- Food Truck Safety Inspection Checklist
- Pest Control Monitoring Checklist - Food Service
- Food Manufacturing GMP Audit Checklist
- Retail Food Establishment Self-Inspection Checklist
- Food Defense Security Checklist
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Why Use This Restaurant Food Safety Opening Checklist?
This restaurant food safety opening checklist helps food service teams maintain compliance and operational excellence. Designed for opening manager professionals, this checklist covers 32 critical inspection points across 8 sections. Recommended frequency: daily.
Ensures compliance with FDA Food Code, State/Local Health Codes, Company Policy. Regulatory-aligned for audit readiness and inspection documentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Restaurant Food Safety Opening Checklist cover?
This checklist covers 32 inspection items across 8 sections: Equipment Startup, Initial Temperature Check, Handwashing Stations, Facility Inspection, 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 daily. Each completion takes approximately 15-20 minutes.
Who should use this Restaurant Food Safety Opening Checklist?
This checklist is designed for Opening 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.