What happens if I find temperatures above these limits in a food delivery?

If chilled goods are found above 8°C or frozen goods above -15°C during a delivery, you must reject the delivery immediately and contact your supplier to arrange a replacement. Make sure to document this rejection in your delivery records to maintain compliance, identify recurring issues with suppliers, and ensure accountability in maintaining food safety standards.

How long do I have to check temperatures once the food delivery arrives?

Aim to transfer food from the delivery point to storage areas within 15 minutes, including all temperature checks and unboxing. In exceptional circumstances, you have a maximum of 30 minutes. Chilled foods must be prioritised first, followed by frozen goods, then ambient/dry goods, to minimise time in the danger zone and prevent temperature abuse.

Do I need to take temperatures between packages in food deliveries or can I pierce them?

Q: Do I need to take temperatures between packages in food deliveries, or can I pierce them?

You must always take temperatures between packs of food using a clean and sanitised probe. Never pierce the packaging to take a temperature as this can compromise food safety and product integrity. For chilled foods, aim for temperatures below 5°C but not below 1°C, and accept deliveries up to 8°C. For frozen foods, target -18°C or slightly colder, with a maximum acceptable temperature of -15°C. Use a proper probe, not piercing, as piercing packaging is unnecessary for accurate temperature readings and compromises food safety.