How to Conduct a Food Safety Inspection

Food safety is an important aspect of running a kitchen. When conducting a food safety inspection, one should take their time and be sure to include storage methods, how food is prepared and the knowledge of the staff when it comes to proper food safety methods. 

Storage Methods

• Check the temperatures of the refrigerator and freezer.


• Make sure the thermometers are visible and read 40 degrees F for the refrigerator and zero degrees F for the freezer.


• Look at how the food is stored in the refrigerator.


• Make sure raw meats are stored on the bottom shelves, and are not touching any other food.


• Check for any mold or spoiling of food.


• Look in the dry storage area to see that all goods are kept off of the floor.


• Make sure all open bags are sealed tightly shut, or kept in containers to prevent contamination.

Food Preparation

• Test the temperatures of all food on the line.


• Make sure all hot foods read 140 degrees F or above, and all cold foods read 40 degrees F or below.


• Look at how clean the prep area is.


• Make sure foods such as meat are being thawed properly.


• Make sure there is a bucket of water with a sanitizing solution in it, along with cleaning rags.

Staff Knowledge

• Talk to the staff to determine their knowledge of food safety.


• Ask questions about safe cooking temperatures, food storage procedures and where the safety equipment is stored.


• Ask the employees to test the water inside the sanitizing bucket.