Catering Truck and Commissary Daily Food Safety Inspection Checklist

This checklist ensures catering truck and commissary operations comply with FDA Food Code requirements for mobile food operations, local health department mobile food vendor regulations, and California Retail Food Code (as the most comprehensive state code) as a reference standard. Designed for catering truck operators and commissary managers.

  • Industry: Mobile Food Service
  • Frequency: Daily (pre-service and commissary return inspection)
  • Estimated Time: 20-25 minutes
  • Role: Catering Truck Operator / Commissary Manager
  • Total Items: 20
  • Compliance: FDA Food Code 2022 - Mobile Food Operations, Local Health Department Mobile Food Vendor / Catering Truck Regulations, California Retail Food Code (HSC Section 113700 et seq) as Reference Standard, State Motor Vehicle Code Requirements for Food Service Vehicles

Commissary Preparation

Pre-service food preparation at licensed commissary.

  • Commissary operating under valid health permit?
  • All food prepared, portioned, and packaged at commissary - not at service location?
  • Commissary use logged as required by local health code?

Food Temperatures

Hot and cold food holding temperatures on truck.

  • Refrigerated foods at 41F or below before loading truck?
  • Hot foods at 135F or above in hot holding equipment?
  • Calibrated probe thermometer on truck for temperature checks?

Truck Cleanliness and Equipment

Vehicle and equipment sanitation.

  • Truck interior - all surfaces clean before loading?
  • All food contact equipment cleaned and sanitized?
  • No evidence of pests in truck?
  • Waste and wastewater containers sealed and not cross-contaminating food?

Water and Wastewater

Potable water supply and wastewater management.

  • Fresh water tank filled from approved potable water source?
  • Wastewater holding tank empty at start of service and capacity sufficient?
  • Handwashing station with warm water, soap, and paper towels operational?

Service Area and Employee Hygiene

Service location sanitation and staff hygiene.

  • Service location on approved permit or variance?
  • Regular handwashing during service?
  • Gloves or utensils used for RTE food handling (no bare-hand contact)?
  • Food safety issues or temperature deviations

Permits and Vehicle Compliance

Mobile food operation permit compliance.

  • Mobile food vendor health permit current and on truck?
  • Vehicle registration and insurance current?
  • Fire extinguisher mounted and current in truck cooking area?

Related Food Safety Checklists

Related Food Handling Checklists

Why Use This Catering Truck and Commissary Daily Food Safety Inspection Checklist?

This catering truck and commissary daily food safety inspection checklist helps mobile food service teams maintain compliance and operational excellence. Designed for catering truck operator / commissary manager professionals, this checklist covers 20 critical inspection points across 6 sections. Recommended frequency: daily (pre-service and commissary return inspection).

Ensures compliance with FDA Food Code 2022 - Mobile Food Operations, Local Health Department Mobile Food Vendor / Catering Truck Regulations, California Retail Food Code (HSC Section 113700 et seq) as Reference Standard, State Motor Vehicle Code Requirements for Food Service Vehicles. Regulatory-aligned for audit readiness and inspection documentation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Catering Truck and Commissary Daily Food Safety Inspection Checklist cover?

This checklist covers 20 inspection items across 6 sections: Commissary Preparation, Food Temperatures, Truck Cleanliness and Equipment, Water and Wastewater, Service Area and Employee Hygiene, Permits and Vehicle Compliance. It is designed for mobile food service operations and compliance.

How often should this checklist be completed?

This checklist should be completed daily (pre-service and commissary return inspection). Each completion takes approximately 20-25 minutes.

Who should use this Catering Truck and Commissary Daily Food Safety Inspection Checklist?

This checklist is designed for Catering Truck Operator / Commissary Manager professionals in the mobile 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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