Receiving log for restaurants

Food safety starts at the back door. If a delivery arrives warm, thawed or damaged, nothing you do later fixes it. A receiving log is a quick record that someone checked each delivery, and what they did if something was off.

What to check at delivery (FDA Food Code 2022)

Refrigerated TCS food: 41°F (5°C) or below, 3-202.11(A), unless a law allows another temperature for that food (such as milk or molluscan shellfish, 3-202.11(B)).
Shell eggs: received in refrigerated equipment at an ambient air temperature of 45°F (7°C) or less, 3-202.11(C).
Hot TCS food: 135°F (57°C) or above, 3-202.11(D).
Frozen food: food labeled and shipped frozen should arrive frozen, 3-202.11(E).
No evidence of temperature abuse, 3-202.11(F).
Packaging intact and clean; no pests; correct labels; products from your approved suppliers.

How to take receiving temperatures

Use a clean, sanitized, calibrated probe thermometer.
For packaged items, check between two packages or open one, following your supplier's and health department's guidance.
Check the warmest-looking items first (top of the case, near the door).
Put cold and frozen items away immediately after checking.

What to write on the log

Date · Time · Supplier · Product · Temperature (°F) · Packaging OK? (Y/N) · Accepted / Rejected · Corrective action · Initials

If you reject an item, note why and tell the driver before they leave. Your supplier agreement usually explains how credits work.

When to reject a delivery

Cold TCS food above 41°F (unless a law allows otherwise for that item)
Hot TCS food below 135°F
Frozen food that has thawed, or shows signs of refreezing
Damaged, swollen, leaking or pest-damaged packaging
Missing or wrong labels, or food from an unapproved source

General information, not legal advice. Values cite the FDA Food Code 2022, a model code that states and counties adopt with changes. Check your local health department — its rules take priority.

Skip the formatting. The Daily Food Safety Log Pack ($12) has 6 print-ready logs (cooler/freezer, hot & cold holding, 2-stage cooling, receiving, sanitizer, weekly cleaning) with the Food Code values printed on each page — PDF, Word and Excel. Or grab the free cooler log.

All three packs together: bundle $24.

FAQ

What temperature should refrigerated food be when it's delivered?

Under FDA Food Code 2022 3-202.11(A), refrigerated TCS food should be received at 41°F (5°C) or below, unless a law allows a different temperature for that food (for example milk or molluscan shellfish, 3-202.11(B)).

What about hot food that's delivered?

Hot TCS food should be received at 135°F (57°C) or above, per 3-202.11(D).

Can frozen food arrive partly thawed?

Food labeled frozen and shipped frozen should be received frozen (3-202.11(E)), and food should show no evidence of previous temperature abuse (3-202.11(F)), such as ice crystals from refreezing or fluids in the case bottom.

Do I have to keep a receiving log?

Requirements vary by state and county, and some plans (like HACCP plans) require records. Even where it isn't required, a log shows inspectors you check deliveries. Ask your local health department.