Templates
Food defense self-assessment checklist

Food defense self-assessment checklist

Evaluate your current food defense measures with this self assessment checklist. It covers critical areas to ensure your facility is protected against intentional contamination. Use this checklist to identify improvements and ensure compliance.

Use this template with Lumiform

  • Customize this template or build your own
  • Fill out templates via mobile app
  • Get reports and analyse your data
Prices start from ░░░ per month
Book a demo
Learn more
or Download template as PDF
Food defense self-assessment checklist

Evaluate your current food defense measures with this self assessment checklist. It covers critical areas to ensure your facility is protected against intentional contamination. Use this checklist to identify improvements and ensure compliance.

Use this template with Lumiform

  • Customize this template or build your own
  • Fill out templates via mobile app
  • Get reports and analyse your data
Prices start from ░░░ per month
Book a demo
Learn more
or Download template as PDF

A food defense self-assessment checklist helps you identify and address vulnerabilities in your food production facility that could lead to intentional contamination. Unlike standard food safety protocols that focus on accidental contamination, this template specifically targets security measures to prevent deliberate tampering or sabotage.

According to the FDA, food defense is critical as intentional adulteration can cause widespread public health harm and economic disruption. You can use this checklist to systematically evaluate security measures for your facility’s exterior, interior production areas, storage facilities, and shipping/receiving operations—pinpointing weaknesses before they become liabilities during your next FDA inspection.

Related categories

Preview of the template
Facility Access Control
Are all entry and exit points to the facility secured and monitored?
Are access control measures in place to prevent unauthorized entry into the facility?
Are visitor logs maintained to track all visitors entering and leaving the facility?
Are all employees, contractors, and visitors required to display visible identification badges?
Are employee background checks and drug screening procedures in place?
Facility Security Measures
Are security cameras installed at key entry and exit points?
Is the facility equipped with an alarm system?
Are all storage areas, production zones, and sensitive areas secured with locks?
Are security patrols or guards employed to monitor the facility?
Are vehicle access points and parking areas secured and monitored?
Personnel Security
Do you have a documented personnel security policy in place?
Do you have a system in place to control and monitor employee access to sensitive areas?
Do you provide comprehensive food defense and security training for all employees?
Do you have a system in place to monitor and report suspicious employee behavior?
Do you have a process to revoke access privileges when employees are terminated or transferred?
Incident Response and Emergency Preparedness
Do you have a documented food defense incident response plan?
Do you conduct regular food defense drills and exercises to test your incident response plan?
Do you have established communication protocols to notify relevant authorities in the event of a food defense incident?
Do you have a plan in place to secure the facility and protect employees in the event of a food defense emergency?
Do you have procedures in place to isolate and secure any potentially compromised food products?

Frequently asked questions

What areas of my facility should the food defense self-assessment checklist cover?

Your checklist should evaluate exterior security (fencing, lighting, access points), interior controls (restricted areas, visitor protocols), storage security (chemicals, ingredients), shipping/receiving procedures, water systems, and also computer security. The most effective assessments examine every point where intentional contamination could potentially occur.

How often should I complete a food defense self-assessment?

Complete your food defense self-assessment at least annually, but also after facility modifications, security incidents, or changes in personnel. Regular assessments help maintain compliance with FSMA requirements and ensure your mitigation strategies remain effective against evolving threats to your food production facility.

What documentation should accompany my completed food defense checklist?

Maintain records of your vulnerability assessment findings, implemented mitigation strategies, monitoring procedures, corrective actions, and verification activities. This documentation demonstrates FSMA compliance and provides critical information during FDA inspections or following any security incidents at your facility.

How often should I update my food defense self assessment template?

Regular updates are essential to keep the checklist relevant and effective. Review and revise it whenever there are changes in your operations, such as new processes or suppliers, or at least annually. This ensures that your food defense measures remain aligned with current risks and industry standards.

This template, developed by Lumiform employees, serves as a starting point for businesses using the Lumiform platform and is intended as a hypothetical example only. It does not replace professional advice. Companies should consult qualified professionals to assess the suitability and legality of using this template in their specific workplace or jurisdiction. Lumiform is not liable for any errors or omissions in this template or for any actions taken based on its content.