Food Safety Bites with Beth
Ensuring food safety starts at the very beginning of the food preparation process, when the food is purchased and received at your establishment. Proper food receiving practices help prevent foodborne illness, maintain quality, and ensure compliance with health regulations. Training employees on correct receiving procedures protects both customers and the business.
After this lesson, employees should be able to:
● Identify key safety checks when receiving food deliveries.
● Recognize signs of food spoilage and contamination.
● Use thermometers to verify proper food temperatures upon arrival.
● Follow the correct procedures for storing received food items safely.
● Maintain accurate receiving records for traceability.
Not All Deliveries Belong in Your Kitchen – How to Receive Food Safely
● Inspect all food deliveries upon arrival for damage, signs of contamination, and proper labeling.
● Check temperatures of perishable items: refrigerated foods should be at 41°F or below, frozen foods should be frozen solid, and hot foods should be at 135°F or above.
● Reject any items with torn packaging, signs of pests, mold, or foul odors.
● Verify that shellfish, meats, and poultry arrive with USDA or state inspection stamps and required documentation.
● Keep raw and ready-to-eat foods separate during receiving and storage to prevent cross-contamination.
● Rotate stock using the First In, First Out (FIFO) method to ensure older items are used first.
● Store dry goods in clean, dry areas away from walls and floors.
Take Action!
Delivery Dilemmas
Have employees brainstorm various issues that can arise during the delivery and receiving process. Download your free copy of Delivery Dilemmas with samples of categories with examples.
Temperature Check Challenge
Provide employees with food thermometers and have them practice checking the temperatures of different food items. Compare readings against food safety guidelines and discuss what actions should be taken if food arrives at unsafe temperatures.
Pass or Reject?
Set up a simulation where employees inspect mock food deliveries. Include properly stored items and items with potential issues (examples include dented cans, expired labels, torn packaging). Have employees decide which items to accept or reject and explain their reasoning.
FIFO Sorting Game
Provide a mix of food products with different expiration dates. Have employees organize them using the FIFO method, ensuring older items are in the front for use first. Reinforce why proper stock rotation prevents waste and maintains food safety.
Delivery Detectives
Show employees images of common signs of issues that may arise when receiving food. Have them identify the hazard and discuss why it is a risk. Free resource: Delivery Detectives has a collection of over 20 pictures of issues that can be used for this activity.
Role-Playing: Vendor Inspection
Assign one employee as a food vendor delivering supplies and another as the receiving employee. Have them walk through a food delivery process, inspecting products, checking temperatures, and deciding whether to accept or reject the items. Download a free copy of Receiving Food Role Play activity which includes five different deliveries that can be used with this activity.
Keep it Going!
● Conduct regular spot checks of food deliveries to ensure employees are following proper procedures.
● Provide ongoing training sessions to reinforce food receiving protocols.
● Keep a log of received goods, including temperature records and any rejected items.
● Encourage employees to report concerns about food safety and address issues promptly.
● Review food storage areas frequently to confirm compliance with FIFO and proper organization
By implementing proper food receiving procedures, you create a safer dining environment for both employees and customers. Thank you for your commitment to food safety and excellence in the food service industry!
Did you know TSC Associates offers private training tailored to meet your establishment’s need? Our courses are designed to help you meet the industry standards for food safety and responsible alcohol service. With our experienced instructors and flexible training options, you will gain the knowledge and skills required to excel in your profession. Join us today and take the first step toward a successful career in the food and hospitality industry anywhere in the country. Contact TSC Associates to find out more about our array of personalized training as well as ServSafe® training and certification.
Created by Beth Brewer, TSC Associates LLC
Resources
1. FDA Food Code – Comprehensive guidelines on food safety practices, including food receiving protocols.
2. ServSafe Receiving & Storage Training – Training poster and quiz.
3. Food Docs also has some great resources: Receiving Log and Receiving Checklist
