Commercial Kitchen Opening Checklist
FREE commercial kitchen opening checklist with FDA Food Code compliance. Covers equipment startup, temperature verification, handwashing, and prep station setup. Multi-market standards for US FDA, UK FSA, India FSSAI, Brazil ANVISA, Mexico COFEPRIS, and Colombia INVIMA. Download FREE PDF with 45+ inspection points.
- Industry: Food
- Frequency: Daily
- Estimated Time: 20-30 minutes
- Role: Operations Manager
- Total Items: 35
- Compliance: FDA Food Code 2022, ServSafe Food Handler, UK EC 852/2004 (Food Hygiene), India FSSAI FSS Regulations, Brazil RDC 216 ANVISA
Temperature Verification
FDA Food Code temperature requirements for refrigeration.
- Walk-in cooler at 41°F (5°C) or below?
- Walk-in Cooler Temperature (°F)
- Walk-in freezer at 0°F (-18°C) or below?
- Walk-in Freezer Temperature (°F)
- Reach-in coolers at proper temperature?
- Reach-in Temperatures (list)
- Probe thermometer calibrated (ice water test)?
Equipment Startup
Verify cooking and holding equipment functionality.
- Ovens preheated and functioning properly?
- Grills and griddles heating properly?
- Fryers at proper temperature (350-375°F)?
- Steam tables and holding equipment at 135°F+?
- Hood ventilation system operating?
- Dishwasher at proper temperature?
- Ice machine functioning and ice quality acceptable?
Sanitation & Handwashing
Verify sanitation stations and supplies.
- Handwashing sinks stocked (soap, towels, warm water)?
- Sanitizer buckets prepared at proper concentration?
- Sanitizer Concentration (ppm)
- Clean wiping cloths in sanitizer solution?
- Cutting boards clean and sanitized?
- All food contact surfaces cleaned and sanitized?
Prep Station Setup
Verify prep stations are ready for service.
- Mise en place set up for all stations?
- All prep items properly dated and labeled?
- Expired items removed from line?
- FIFO rotation verified?
- Raw and ready-to-eat products properly separated?
- Allergen stations/tools identified?
Employee Readiness
Verify staff compliance with food safety requirements.
- Employees in clean uniforms/aprons?
- Hair restraints worn by all food handlers?
- No prohibited jewelry (rings, bracelets, watches)?
- All employees screened for illness symptoms?
- Employees washed hands before starting work?
Temperature Control & Monitoring
Food temperature safety verification
- Cold holding at 41°F/5°C or below?
- Hot holding at 135°F/57°C or above?
- Thermometer calibrated and accurate?
- Temperature log current and complete?
Related Food & Hospitality Checklists
- Restaurant Closing Checklist
- Retail Food Establishment Inspection
- Vending Machine Food Safety
- Mobile Food Commissary
- Catering Event Food Safety Checklist
- Hotel Room Inspection Checklist
- HACCP Critical Control Point Monitoring Log
- Food Allergen Control Checklist
Related Restaurant Operations Checklists
- Daily Opening Checklist (Front of House) - FREE Download
- Daily Closing Checklist (Front of House) - FREE Download
- Daily Opening Checklist (Front of House) - Restaurant Checklist - FREE Download
- Bar Opening Setup - FREE Download
- FOH Closing Checklist - FREE Download
- Server Station Setup - FREE Download
- Host Station Setup - FREE Download
- Table Maintenance Check - FREE Download
- Restaurant Restroom Check - FREE Download
- Reservation Confirmation - FREE Download
Why Use This Commercial Kitchen Opening Checklist?
This commercial kitchen opening checklist helps food teams maintain compliance and operational excellence. Designed for operations manager professionals, this checklist covers 35 critical inspection points across 6 sections. Recommended frequency: daily.
Ensures compliance with FDA Food Code 2022, ServSafe Food Handler, UK EC 852/2004 (Food Hygiene), India FSSAI FSS Regulations, Brazil RDC 216 ANVISA, Mexico NOM-251-SSA1, Colombia Resolución 2674/2013. Regulatory-aligned for audit readiness and inspection documentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Commercial Kitchen Opening Checklist cover?
This checklist covers 35 inspection items across 6 sections: Temperature Verification, Equipment Startup, Sanitation & Handwashing, Prep Station Setup, Employee Readiness, Temperature Control & Monitoring. It is designed for food operations and compliance.
How often should this checklist be completed?
This checklist should be completed daily. Each completion takes approximately 20-30 minutes.
Who should use this Commercial Kitchen Opening Checklist?
This checklist is designed for Operations Manager professionals in the food 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.