Food Safety Audit Checklist for Restaurants Template | FREE

Food safety audit checklist template for restaurants

About the Food safety audit checklist template for restaurants

Maintaining impeccable standards in food safety is critical for restaurants–after all, even a single lapse can be disastrous. With our food safety audit checklist for restaurants, staying on top of hygiene and compliance becomes a streamlined process.

The checklist aids you in protecting public health and upholding your restaurant’s reputation. By implementing it, you equip your team to conduct thorough inspections, from storage areas to service counters, so that every area satisfies health codes.

When to use the food safety audit checklist for restaurants

A food safety audit checklist is essential for maintaining strict hygiene and safety standards in your restaurant.

You can use this checklist before health inspections to ensure compliance with local regulations and avoid costly violations. It’s also invaluable during routine internal audits to proactively address any potential safety concerns.

If your restaurant is onboarding new staff or updating procedures, this checklist serves as a clear guide for employees to follow, leading to consistency in your food safety protocols. In addition, it’s handy when introducing new menu items or equipment, as you can review whether proper food handling and safety procedures are being met.

All in all, the template allows you to standardize your restaurant’s safety practices, reducing risks and ensuring a safe environment for both your team and customers.

How to use the restaurant food safety audit checklist

Here’s how to make the most of this checklist for your team:

Create or customize the checklist. Begin by tailoring the checklist to fit your restaurant’s specific needs. Lumiform allows you to easily edit the template in the app, so you can add or remove items based on the layout, equipment, or safety protocols of your kitchen and storage areas.
Assign roles. To ensure thorough audits, you can assign tasks from the checklist to appropriate team members. For instance, kitchen staff can handle food prep areas, while maintenance personnel focus on equipment and storage inspections.
Use it in your daily operations. Your staff can start conducting audits with the checklist to verify that all areas meet safety standards, especially since they can fill it out on mobile too. This keeps your restaurant running smoothly and compliant with food safety regulations.
Track and analyze data. As your team completes the checklist, the results are automatically saved in Lumiform’s system. You can review the data to identify trends, spot recurring issues, and track improvements over time.
Follow up on action items. If any safety concerns are flagged, assign action tasks through the app. This ensures that corrective measures are completed promptly, reducing risks and improving overall safety.

Download Lumiform’s food safety audit checklist for restaurants today

Streamline your restaurant’s safety audits with this checklist. This easy-to-use tool helps you stay on top of hygiene standards and food safety regulations, giving you peace of mind during inspections. Whether you’re managing a single location or multiple outlets, this checklist supports you in keeping your operations smooth and compliant.

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Preview of the template

Inspection

STORAGE AREAS, ATTIC

Are floors clean, dry and in good condition?

Are aisles free of boxes or clutter?

Are electrical panels accessible and properly labeled?

Are doors and latches working properly?

Are products or supplies properly stored? (Light items on top, arranged to avoid toppling.)

Is shelving in good condition?

Are combustibles kept away from heat sources? (Heating unit, hot water, tank, electrical boxes, etc.)

Are outlets, switches and electrical components working properly?

Are ladders in good condition and properly stored?

Are chemicals separated from foodstuffs?

Is trash compactor in good repair?

Is first aid kit adequately stocked and accessible?

Are lights working properly?

FOOD PREPARATION AND COOKING AREA

Are floors clean, dry and in good condition?

Are aisles free of clutter?

Are drain screens being cleaned regularly?

Are doors and latches working properly?

Is food preparation and storage equipment in good repair?

Is the grill and fryer exhaust system clean and in good repair?

Has Ansul extinguishing system been inspected and serviced within the last 6 months?

Have portable fire extinguishers been inspected and serviced within last year?

Are combustibles kept away from heat sources? (Ovens, grill, fryer, toaster, etc.)

Are outlets, switches and electrical components working properly?

Are lights working properly?

DINING AND RESTROOM AREAS

Are floors clean, dry and in good condition?

Are highchairs, tables and seating in good condition?

Are floor mats in good condition? (Lay flat, smooth edges)

Is product display equipment in good repair? (½ gallon cases, shelving, cooler doors, etc.)

Are exit signs illuminated?

Are outlets, switches and electrical components working properly?

Are fixtures in restrooms in good condition?

Are lights working properly?

OUTSIDE SEATING AREAS/ PLAYGROUND

Are walking surfaces clean, dry and in good condition?

Are tables and seating in good condition?

Are gates and access passage locked?

Is playground equipment in good condition? (No missing parts, holes or tears, sharp objects, clean, etc.)

Is playground equipment inspected on a daily basis?

Is playground area clean and free of debris or clutter? (Balls returned to pit area)

Are proper signs in place?

Are lights working properly?

EXTERIOR (WALKWAYS AND PARKING LOT) OK Needs Improvement Date of Correction

Are sidewalks and curbs in good repair?

Is landscaping trimmed away from walks and to eliminate possible hiding places?

Is the parking lot free of potholes or tripping hazards?

Is the dumpster area in good condition?

Is the garden hose properly stored?

Are outside lights working properly?

SAFE WORKING PRACTICES

Do employees demonstrate a team approach to preventing accidents?

Are spills or dropped items cleaned up promptly?

Are “Wet Floor” warning signs displayed when needed?

Are employees wearing proper footwear?

Are floors thoroughly cleaned at closing?

Are employees instructed in proper lifting techniques?

Do employees “practice” proper lifting techniques?

Is cooking oil at room temperature before changing or straining?

Are knives cleaned safely? (Not left in soapy water)

Are slicers cleaned and stored properly?

Are employees instructed in the proper use of slicers?

Are all cleaning supplies properly labeled?

Do employees know where Material Safety Data Sheets are kept?

Do employees practice safe ladder usage?

Do employees use a mechanical hand when changing marquee?

Are proper posters displayed? (OSHA, Workers’ Compensation, etc.)

For ice-cream dipping restaurants:

Are squares “tempered” before placed in dip cabinets?

Are squares “rotated” as needed?

Do employees place hip against dip cabinet for leverage when dipping?

Is ice cream temperature in dip cabinets kept in the proper temperature range?

Have all maintenance issues been reported as required?

FOLLOW-UP

Have the hazards that were identified last month been corrected? (If “NO”, specify which hazards by adding a note)

Have maintenance-related items been reported, called in or entered on the restaurant computer?

Have unsafe practices been addressed with all employees?

COMPLETION

Recommendations or Overall Assessment

Name & Signature of Inspector/ Responsible Personnel

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Frequently asked questions

How do I audit a restaurant?

Start by reviewing the food safety checklist to understand the key areas to inspect, such as storage, preparation, and service areas. Check for compliance with health codes, observe staff practices, and verify that documentation is up to date. Use digital tools like Lumiform to streamline the process and record findings efficiently.

How do I prepare for a food safety audit?

To prepare for a food safety audit, first review your current food safety practices and make sure all staff are trained on protocols. Conduct a mock audit to identify potential issues and address them in advance. Organize all necessary documentation, such as temperature logs and cleaning schedules, to present a well-maintained record during the audit.

How do I ensure food safety in a restaurant?

Implement a comprehensive food safety plan that includes regular staff training, consistent cleaning schedules, and proper food storage practices. Monitor critical control points like cooking temperatures and cross-contamination risks. Regularly update procedures based on the latest safety standards, and conduct periodic audits to maintain high standards.

What are common mistakes during a food safety audit?

Food safety audits require a thorough inspection of the entire restaurant premises, but sometimes areas that are difficult to access might be easily overlooked, such as behind equipment and under sinks. Other common mistakes include overlooking expired products and failing to maintain proper documentation. Staff should also be following correct procedures, and equipment should be well-maintained.

What should I do if a food safety violation is found?

Address the violation immediately by identifying the root cause and implementing corrective actions. Retrain staff if needed and update procedures to prevent it from happening again. Document the violation and the steps taken to resolve it, and schedule a follow-up audit to verify that the issue has been effectively addressed.

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.