Food Safety SOP Template - FREE PDF

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Food safety SOP template

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Use this template with Lumiform

The Lumiform application helps frontline teams uphold internal standards effortlessly.

Customize this template or build your own
Fill out templates via mobile app
Assign and track corrective actions
Get reports and analyse your data

Prices start from ░░░ per month

Book a demo

Learn more

Our food safety SOP template provides a comprehensive framework for establishing clear, documented procedures that ensure food safety compliance in your establishment. This template helps you implement critical food safety protocols that prevent food-borne illnesses—a serious issue that affects approximately 48 million Americans annually, with 128,000 hospitalizations and 3,000 deaths according to the Food Safety Modernization Act (FDA).

With this template, you can develop standardized processes for proper food handling, storage, and preparation while meeting health department requirements. For instance, a restaurant struggling with inconsistent food safety practices across shifts can use this template to create uniform procedures for temperature monitoring, preventing cross-contamination, and ensuring proper hygiene—all critical factors in preventing food-borne illness outbreaks.

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Preview of the template

Hygiene Practices

All staff must wash hands thoroughly with soap and warm water before handling food

Gloves must be worn when handling ready-to-eat foods

Workstations and equipment must be sanitized between tasks

Hair must be tied back and hats/hairnets worn at all times

Temperature Control

Refrigerator temperature must be maintained at or below 40°F (4°C)

Freezer temperature must be maintained at or below 0°F (-18°C)

Hot food must be cooked to a minimum internal temperature of 165°F (74°C)

Cold food must be held at or below 40°F (4°C)

Allergen Management

All food prep surfaces must be thoroughly cleaned to remove allergen residues

Separate equipment (cutting boards, utensils, etc.) must be used for allergen-free preparation

Allergen-containing foods must be clearly labeled and stored separately

Staff must be trained on proper allergen handling procedures

Frequently asked questions

What should a food safety SOP template include?

A comprehensive food safety SOP template should include sections for personal hygiene protocols, temperature control procedures, cross-contamination prevention, cleaning and sanitizing schedules, allergen management, receiving and storage guidelines, and also HACCP-based critical control points. Each section should clearly outline step-by-step procedures with specific parameters and responsibilities assigned to staff members.

How do I customize the food safety SOP template for my specific operation?

Begin by reviewing the template structure and identifying which sections apply to your establishment. Modify temperature requirements to match your specific equipment, adjust cleaning schedules based on your facility layout, while incorporating any unique menu items that require special handling procedures. Involve your kitchen team in the customization process to ensure the procedures are practical and reflect your actual operations.

How often should I update my food safety SOPs?

Review and update your food safety SOPs at least annually or whenever significant changes occur in your operation. This includes menu changes, new equipment installation, staff restructuring, or updates to food safety regulations. Regular reviews ensure your SOPs remain relevant and effective in preventing foodborne illness risks while maintaining compliance with current health department requirements.

How do I train my staff to follow food safety SOPs?

Implement a structured training program that combines initial comprehensive training with regular refreshers. Walk through each procedure physically in your facility, demonstrate proper techniques, and have staff practice under supervision. Also, use visual aids posted at workstations as reminders, conduct periodic spot checks, and recognize staff who consistently follow protocols correctly to reinforce the importance of food safety procedures.

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.