Food Delivery: Transportation and Receiving

The food production chain is the pathway of food items from production, processing, distribution, and preparation. There are many points in the food production chain where food contamination can occur. An important component of the food production chain is transportation and delivery of food items to a food premises.

As an operator, it is your responsibility to ensure you are receiving the safest foods possible from your supplier.

When receiving a food delivery from your food supplier, be sure to check:

1. The date and time of delivery.
2. That hazardous foods are transported in a temperature controlled vehicle with appropriate refrigeration/ freezer units.
3. The internal temperature of hazardous food products are verified with a probe thermometer (4^oC / 40^oF or less) or frozen solid.
4. The condition of the delivered foods. Check for: damaged or defective packaging, potential for contamination, and the general condition of the foods.
5. The truck to verify it is operating in a clean and sanitary condition.
6. That foods have come from a reputable supplier (inspected product).

If you have concerns with delivered food items you should not accept the shipment.

Additional Information

To report any food safety concerns about a supplier, please speak to a Public Health Inspector on the Environmental Health Team by calling:

• 519-663-5317