Food Bank Warehouse Storage Safety Inspection

Food bank storage safety protects the food supply, ensures regulatory compliance, and maximizes the value of donated and purchased food. This weekly inspection identifies storage hazards before they compromise food safety or trigger regulatory violations.

Industry: Nonprofit
Frequency: Weekly
Estimated Time: 45-60 minutes
Role: Warehouse Coordinator / Food Safety Officer
Total Items: 29

Temperature Controls

Verify temperature controls.

Dry storage area temperature between 50-70°F?
Refrigerator temperature at 41°F or below?
Freezer temperature at 0°F or below?
Temperature logs completed daily for cold storage units?
Thermometers calibrated and accuracy verified?

Pest Control

Inspect for pest activity.

No evidence of rodent activity (droppings, gnaw marks, nesting)?
No evidence of insect infestation in stored product?
All potential pest entry points sealed?
Licensed pest control service conducted within last 30 days?
Pest monitoring traps in place and checked?

Product Condition

Inspect stored product condition.

No compromised, damaged, or recalled products in storage?
FIFO (First In, First Out) rotation maintained throughout warehouse?
Date codes visible and checked during rotation?
FDA and USDA recall alerts checked this week for products in inventory?
Short-dated products separated and prioritized for distribution?

Storage Conditions

Verify storage conditions.

All product stored at least 6 inches off floor on pallets or shelves?
Product at least 18 inches from walls to allow air circulation and pest inspection?
Cleaning chemicals and non-food items stored completely separate from food?
Humidity in dry storage area appropriate (not visibly damp)?
Lighting adequate for safe inspection and inventory work?

Sanitation

Verify warehouse sanitation.

Warehouse floors, shelves, and surfaces clean and free of debris?
Cleaning schedule current with regular deep cleaning documented?
Waste and spoiled product removed promptly and in sealed containers?
Handwashing facilities accessible in warehouse and food handling areas?

USDA Inventory Compliance

Verify USDA commodity compliance.

USDA commodity inventory records current per program requirements?
USDA commodities stored in designated area separate from donated food?
USDA storage condition requirements met for all commodity categories?
Any USDA commodity losses documented and reported per program requirements?
Adequate food supply maintained for upcoming distribution schedule?

Related Nonprofit Checklists

Related Food Bank Operations Checklists

Why Use This Food Bank Warehouse Storage Safety Inspection?

This food bank warehouse storage safety inspection helps nonprofit teams maintain compliance and operational excellence. Designed for warehouse coordinator / food safety officer professionals, this checklist covers 29 critical inspection points across 6 sections. Recommended frequency: weekly.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Food Bank Warehouse Storage Safety Inspection cover?

This checklist covers 29 inspection items across 6 sections: Temperature Controls, Pest Control, Product Condition, Storage Conditions, Sanitation, USDA Inventory Compliance. It is designed for nonprofit operations and compliance.

How often should this checklist be completed?

This checklist should be completed weekly. Each completion takes approximately 45-60 minutes.

Who should use this Food Bank Warehouse Storage Safety Inspection?

This checklist is designed for Warehouse Coordinator / Food Safety Officer professionals in the nonprofit 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.