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HACCP-Based SOP Templates

Template Library >  Food & Hospitality Checklists > HACCP SOP Checklists

HACCP SOP checklists help ensure food safety, quality, and compliance, covering personal hygiene, food storage, preparation, hot/cold holding, cleaning/sanitizing, and garbage management. It helps food businesses follow HACCP principles. Available in PDF or in-app.
USE THIS TEMPLATE

Maintain High Standards of Food Safety with HACCP SOP Checklists

This HACCP-based SOP checklist is a comprehensive tool designed to enhance food safety and compliance. It outlines essential steps for establishing a HACCP plan, ensuring that all critical control points are identified and monitored effectively. With this HACCP SOP template, food businesses can systematically assess their processes by documenting procedures, identifying potential hazards, training staff, conducting regular audits, and implementing corrective actions to mitigate risks. 

This HACCP SOP checklist covers key areas such as:

  • Ensuring proper hygiene and pest control around garbage areas.
  • Maintaining proper hygiene practices for food handlers.
  • Implementing safe food handling and preparation techniques.
  • Maintaining proper temperatures for hot and cold food storage.
  • Ensuring proper storage conditions for food items.
  • Implementing effective cleaning and sanitizing procedures for equipment and utensils.
  • Maintaining cleanliness and sanitation of large equipment like food slicers and exhaust hoods.
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Sample PDF Report

With the GoAudits Food Safety Software, you can:

  • Eliminate paperwork: conduct efficient digital audits
  • Customise this template or easily create your own
  • Save time with instant reports & assign corrective actions
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PREVIEW FULL TEMPLATE
Food Storage And Dry Storage

1. Is the temperature of the dry storage area between 50 ºF and 70 ºF?


Photo Comment



Upload

2. Are all food and paper supplies stored 6 to 8 inches off the floor?


Photo Comment



Upload

3. Is all food labeled with the name and date received?


Photo Comment



Upload

4. Are open bags of food stored in containers with tight-fitting lids and labeled with the common name?


Photo Comment



Upload

5. Is the FIFO (First In, First Out) method of inventory management used?


Photo Comment



Upload

6. Are there no dents on the seam, bulging, or leaking canned goods?


Photo Comment



Upload

7. Are all food surfaces clean?


Photo Comment



Upload

8. Are chemicals clearly labeled and stored away from food and food-related supplies?


Photo Comment



Upload

9. Is there a regular cleaning schedule for all food surfaces?


Photo Comment



Upload

10. Is food stored in the original container or a food-grade container and labeled with the name and date received?


Photo Comment



Upload

Cleaning And Sanitizing

1. Is the three-compartment sink properly set up for ware washing?


Photo Comment



Upload

2. Is the dish machine working properly, with gauges and chemicals at recommended levels?


Photo Comment



Upload

3. Is water clean and free of grease and food particles?


Photo Comment



Upload

4. Are water temperatures correct for wash and rinse?


Photo Comment



Upload

5. If heat sanitizing, are utensils allowed to remain immersed in 171 ºF water for 30 seconds?


Photo Comment



Upload

6. If using a chemical sanitizer, is it mixed correctly, and is a sanitizer strip used to test chemical concentration?


Photo Comment



Upload

7. Are all washed/sanitized items allowed to air dry?


Photo Comment



Upload

8. Are wiping cloths stored in a sanitizing solution while in use?


Photo Comment



Upload

Utensils And Equipment

1. Are all small equipment and utensils, including cutting boards and knives, cleaned and sanitized between uses?


Photo Comment



Upload

2. Are work surfaces cleaned and sanitized between uses?


Photo Comment



Upload

3. Are thermometers cleaned and sanitized after each use?


Photo Comment



Upload

4. Are thermometers calibrated on a regular basis?


Photo Comment



Upload

5. Is the can opener clean?


Photo Comment



Upload

6. Are drawers and racks clean?


Photo Comment



Upload

7. Are clean utensils handled in a manner to prevent contamination of areas that will be in direct contact with food or a person's mouth?


Photo Comment



Upload

Large Equipment

1. Is the food slicer broken down, cleaned, and sanitized before and after every use?


Photo Comment



Upload

2. Are the exhaust hood and filters clean?


Photo Comment



Upload

Garbage Storage And Disposal

1. Are outdoor garbage cans/dumpsters clean, water-tight, and kept covered?


Photo Comment



Upload

2. Are garbage cans emptied as necessary?


Photo Comment



Upload

3. Are boxes and containers removed from the site?


Photo Comment



Upload

4. Is the loading dock and the area around the dumpster clean and odor-free?


Photo Comment



Upload

Pest Control

1. Do outside doors have screens, are well-sealed, and equipped with a self-closing device?


Photo Comment



Upload

2. Is there no evidence of pests present?


Photo Comment



Upload

3. Is there a regular schedule of pest control by a licensed pest control operator?


Photo Comment



Upload

Personal Hygiene

1. Are employees wearing clean and proper uniforms, including closed-toe shoes?


Photo Comment



Upload

2. Are effective hair restraints properly worn?


Photo Comment



Upload

3. Are fingernails short, unpolished, and clean, with no artificial nails?


Photo Comment



Upload

4. Is jewelry limited to a plain ring, such as a wedding band or watch, with no bracelets?


Photo Comment



Upload

5. Are hands washed properly, frequently, and at appropriate times?


Photo Comment



Upload

6. Are burns, wounds, sores, scabs, and splints covered with waterproof bandages and completely covered with a food service glove while handling food?


Photo Comment



Upload

7. Is eating, drinking, chewing gum, and smoking allowed only in designated areas away from preparation, service, storage, and ware washing areas?


Photo Comment



Upload

8. Do employees use disposable tissues when coughing or sneezing and then immediately wash hands?


Photo Comment



Upload

9. Do employees appear in good health?


Photo Comment



Upload

10. Are hand sinks unobstructed, operational, and clean?


Photo Comment



Upload

11. Are hand sinks stocked with soap, disposable towels, and warm water?


Photo Comment



Upload

12. Is a hand washing reminder sign posted?


Photo Comment



Upload

13. Are employee restrooms operational and clean?


Photo Comment



Upload

Food Preparation

1. Is all food stored or prepared in the facility from approved sources?


Photo Comment



Upload

2. Is frozen food thawed under refrigeration or in cold running water and then cooked to the proper temperature?


Photo Comment



Upload

3. Is thawed food not refrozen?


Photo Comment



Upload

4. Is preparation planned so ingredients are kept out of the temperature danger zone?


Photo Comment



Upload

5. Is food tasted using the proper procedure?


Photo Comment



Upload

6. Are procedures in place to prevent cross-contamination?


Photo Comment



Upload

7. Is food handled with suitable utensils, such as single-use gloves or tongs?


Photo Comment



Upload

8. Is food prepared in small batches to limit the time it is in the temperature danger zone?


Photo Comment



Upload

9. Are clean reusable towels used only for sanitizing equipment and surfaces and not for drying hands, utensils, or the floor?


Photo Comment



Upload

10. Is food cooked to the required safe internal temperature for the appropriate time?


Photo Comment



Upload

11. Is the internal temperature of the food being cooked monitored and documented?


Photo Comment



Upload

Hot Holding

1. Is the hot holding unit clean?


Photo Comment



Upload

2. Is food heated to the required safe internal temperature before placing it in hot holding, and are hot holding units not used to reheat potentially hazardous foods?


Photo Comment



Upload

3. Is the hot holding unit preheated before hot food is placed in it?


Photo Comment



Upload

4. Is the temperature of hot food being held at or above 135 ºF?


Photo Comment



Upload

5. Is food protected from contamination during hot holding?


Photo Comment



Upload

Cold Holding

1. Is the temperature of cold food being held at or below 41 ºF?


Photo Comment



Upload

2. Is food protected from contamination?


Photo Comment



Upload

Refrigerator, Freezer, And Milk Cooler

1. Is food stored 6 inches off the floor in walk-in coolers?


Photo Comment



Upload

2. Are refrigerator and freezer units clean and organized?


Photo Comment



Upload

3. Are proper chilling procedures used?


Photo Comment



Upload

4. Is all food properly wrapped, labeled, and dated?


Photo Comment



Upload

5. Is the air temperature of all refrigerators and freezers monitored using accurate thermometers, and is documentation on file?


Photo Comment



Upload

PREVIEW FULL TEMPLATE
Food Storage And Dry Storage

1. Is the temperature of the dry storage area between 50 ºF and 70 ºF?


Photo Comment



Upload

2. Are all food and paper supplies stored 6 to 8 inches off the floor?


Photo Comment



Upload

3. Is all food labeled with the name and date received?


Photo Comment



Upload

4. Are open bags of food stored in containers with tight-fitting lids and labeled with the common name?


Photo Comment



Upload

5. Is the FIFO (First In, First Out) method of inventory management used?


Photo Comment



Upload

6. Are there no dents on the seam, bulging, or leaking canned goods?


Photo Comment



Upload

7. Are all food surfaces clean?


Photo Comment



Upload

8. Are chemicals clearly labeled and stored away from food and food-related supplies?


Photo Comment



Upload

9. Is there a regular cleaning schedule for all food surfaces?


Photo Comment



Upload

10. Is food stored in the original container or a food-grade container and labeled with the name and date received?


Photo Comment



Upload

Cleaning And Sanitizing

1. Is the three-compartment sink properly set up for ware washing?


Photo Comment



Upload

2. Is the dish machine working properly, with gauges and chemicals at recommended levels?


Photo Comment



Upload

3. Is water clean and free of grease and food particles?


Photo Comment



Upload

4. Are water temperatures correct for wash and rinse?


Photo Comment



Upload

5. If heat sanitizing, are utensils allowed to remain immersed in 171 ºF water for 30 seconds?


Photo Comment



Upload

6. If using a chemical sanitizer, is it mixed correctly, and is a sanitizer strip used to test chemical concentration?


Photo Comment



Upload

7. Are all washed/sanitized items allowed to air dry?


Photo Comment



Upload

8. Are wiping cloths stored in a sanitizing solution while in use?


Photo Comment



Upload

Utensils And Equipment

1. Are all small equipment and utensils, including cutting boards and knives, cleaned and sanitized between uses?


Photo Comment



Upload

2. Are work surfaces cleaned and sanitized between uses?


Photo Comment



Upload

3. Are thermometers cleaned and sanitized after each use?


Photo Comment



Upload

4. Are thermometers calibrated on a regular basis?


Photo Comment



Upload

5. Is the can opener clean?


Photo Comment



Upload

6. Are drawers and racks clean?


Photo Comment



Upload

7. Are clean utensils handled in a manner to prevent contamination of areas that will be in direct contact with food or a person's mouth?


Photo Comment



Upload

Large Equipment

1. Is the food slicer broken down, cleaned, and sanitized before and after every use?


Photo Comment



Upload

2. Are the exhaust hood and filters clean?


Photo Comment



Upload

Garbage Storage And Disposal

1. Are outdoor garbage cans/dumpsters clean, water-tight, and kept covered?


Photo Comment



Upload

2. Are garbage cans emptied as necessary?


Photo Comment



Upload

3. Are boxes and containers removed from the site?


Photo Comment



Upload

4. Is the loading dock and the area around the dumpster clean and odor-free?


Photo Comment



Upload

Pest Control

1. Do outside doors have screens, are well-sealed, and equipped with a self-closing device?


Photo Comment



Upload

2. Is there no evidence of pests present?


Photo Comment



Upload

3. Is there a regular schedule of pest control by a licensed pest control operator?


Photo Comment



Upload

Personal Hygiene

1. Are employees wearing clean and proper uniforms, including closed-toe shoes?


Photo Comment



Upload

2. Are effective hair restraints properly worn?


Photo Comment



Upload

3. Are fingernails short, unpolished, and clean, with no artificial nails?


Photo Comment



Upload

4. Is jewelry limited to a plain ring, such as a wedding band or watch, with no bracelets?


Photo Comment



Upload

5. Are hands washed properly, frequently, and at appropriate times?


Photo Comment



Upload

6. Are burns, wounds, sores, scabs, and splints covered with waterproof bandages and completely covered with a food service glove while handling food?


Photo Comment



Upload

7. Is eating, drinking, chewing gum, and smoking allowed only in designated areas away from preparation, service, storage, and ware washing areas?


Photo Comment



Upload

8. Do employees use disposable tissues when coughing or sneezing and then immediately wash hands?


Photo Comment



Upload

9. Do employees appear in good health?


Photo Comment



Upload

10. Are hand sinks unobstructed, operational, and clean?


Photo Comment



Upload

11. Are hand sinks stocked with soap, disposable towels, and warm water?


Photo Comment



Upload

12. Is a hand washing reminder sign posted?


Photo Comment



Upload

13. Are employee restrooms operational and clean?


Photo Comment



Upload

Food Preparation

1. Is all food stored or prepared in the facility from approved sources?


Photo Comment



Upload

2. Is frozen food thawed under refrigeration or in cold running water and then cooked to the proper temperature?


Photo Comment



Upload

3. Is thawed food not refrozen?


Photo Comment



Upload

4. Is preparation planned so ingredients are kept out of the temperature danger zone?


Photo Comment



Upload

5. Is food tasted using the proper procedure?


Photo Comment



Upload

6. Are procedures in place to prevent cross-contamination?


Photo Comment



Upload

7. Is food handled with suitable utensils, such as single-use gloves or tongs?


Photo Comment



Upload

8. Is food prepared in small batches to limit the time it is in the temperature danger zone?


Photo Comment



Upload

9. Are clean reusable towels used only for sanitizing equipment and surfaces and not for drying hands, utensils, or the floor?


Photo Comment



Upload

10. Is food cooked to the required safe internal temperature for the appropriate time?


Photo Comment



Upload

11. Is the internal temperature of the food being cooked monitored and documented?


Photo Comment



Upload

Hot Holding

1. Is the hot holding unit clean?


Photo Comment



Upload

2. Is food heated to the required safe internal temperature before placing it in hot holding, and are hot holding units not used to reheat potentially hazardous foods?


Photo Comment



Upload

3. Is the hot holding unit preheated before hot food is placed in it?


Photo Comment



Upload

4. Is the temperature of hot food being held at or above 135 ºF?


Photo Comment



Upload

5. Is food protected from contamination during hot holding?


Photo Comment



Upload

Cold Holding

1. Is the temperature of cold food being held at or below 41 ºF?


Photo Comment



Upload

2. Is food protected from contamination?


Photo Comment



Upload

Refrigerator, Freezer, And Milk Cooler

1. Is food stored 6 inches off the floor in walk-in coolers?


Photo Comment



Upload

2. Are refrigerator and freezer units clean and organized?


Photo Comment



Upload

3. Are proper chilling procedures used?


Photo Comment



Upload

4. Is all food properly wrapped, labeled, and dated?


Photo Comment



Upload

5. Is the air temperature of all refrigerators and freezers monitored using accurate thermometers, and is documentation on file?


Photo Comment



Upload

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HACCP Standard Operating Procedures: Who Needs Them & Why

Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) standard operating procedures (SOPs) are systematic, documented instructions designed to ensure food safety by preventing, eliminating, or reducing hazards in food production processes. These procedures are integral to the HACCP system, which emphasizes identifying and controlling potential biological, chemical, and physical hazards from production through distribution.

HACCP SOPs are detailed, step-by-step guidelines that outline specific tasks within the food production process to maintain safety and quality. They act as a framework for consistent operations, ensuring that each step is performed correctly to prevent contamination or hazards. These procedures cover various aspects, including sanitation, equipment maintenance, employee hygiene, and critical control points where hazards could occur.

HACCP SOPs are essential for any organization involved in the food industry, including:

  • Food Manufacturers: To ensure products are safe for consumption and comply with regulatory standards.
  • Food Processors: To control hazards during various stages of food preparation and handling.
  • Food Service Establishments: Such as restaurants and cafeterias, to maintain food safety from preparation to serving.
  • Distributors and Suppliers: To prevent contamination during storage and transportation.
  • Regulatory Bodies: To establish and enforce food safety standards and inspections.

HACCP SOPs can help these food businesses ensure public health, comply with legal requirements, and maintain consumer trust. By following these procedures, they can systematically manage food safety risks and enhance the overall quality of their products and services.

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How to Develop & Implement HACCP SOPs?

Developing and implementing HACCP-based SOPs involves a systematic approach that aligns with the seven principles of HACCP. Here’s how to proceed:

1. Conduct a Hazard Analysis

Begin by identifying potential biological, chemical, and physical hazards associated with each step of your food production process. Assess the likelihood and severity of these hazards to determine which pose significant risks to food safety.

2. Determine Critical Control Points (CCPs)

Identify points in the process where control measures can be applied to prevent, eliminate, or reduce hazards to acceptable levels. These are your Critical Control Points, essential for maintaining food safety.

👉 How to identify critical control points in the food production process?

To identify CCPs in the food production process, conduct a hazard analysis to pinpoint stages where potential hazards—biological, chemical, or physical—may occur. Evaluate each step to determine if control measures can be applied to prevent, eliminate, or reduce these hazards to acceptable levels. Use decision trees by asking: Can contamination occur at this stage? Is there a preventive measure for the identified hazard? If control is possible and necessary, select that step as a CCP. This ensures food safety by focusing on points in the process where risks can be effectively managed.

3. Establish Critical Limits

For each CCP, define critical limits—specific criteria that must be met to ensure the hazard is controlled. This could include temperature ranges, pH levels, or other measurable factors.

4. Develop and Implement Monitoring Procedures

Create procedures to consistently monitor each CCP, ensuring critical limits are maintained. This may involve regular measurements, observations, or other monitoring activities.

5. Establish Corrective Actions for Deviations

Define clear corrective actions to take when monitoring indicates a deviation from established critical limits. These actions should address the cause of the deviation and prevent recurrence.

6. Validate the HACCP Plan

Ensure that your HACCP plan effectively controls identified hazards by validating each element. This may involve reviewing documents, conducting tests, or obtaining expert advice.

7. Maintain Detailed Records and Documentation

Keep comprehensive records of all aspects of your HACCP plan, including hazard analyses, CCP determinations, monitoring activities, corrective actions, and validation efforts. Proper documentation is crucial for verification and continuous improvement.

8. Regularly Review and Update HACCP SOPs

Periodically review your HACCP-based SOPs to ensure they remain effective and relevant. Update them as necessary to reflect changes in processes, equipment, regulations, or emerging hazards.

👉 Use an HACCP app to digitize HACCP SOPs and implement them to enhance your food safety program and ensure compliance.

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Why Digitize Your HACCP-Based SOPs

Digitizing HACCP-based SOPs into checklists offers significant advantages for food industry operations:

  • Digital HACCP checklists provide time-stamped, tamper-proof records of tasks, ensuring adherence to food safety standards. It facilitates compliance verification and simplifies audits. 
  • Automating routine tasks reduces manual data entry, allowing staff to focus on core responsibilities. This efficiency leads to substantial time savings and operational improvements. 
  • HACCP SOP templates enable continuous monitoring, providing immediate alerts for deviations from critical control points. It allows for swift corrective actions, preventing potential hazards. 
  • Storing records digitally ensures easy access and retrieval, eliminating the challenges associated with paper-based systems. It supports efficient data analysis and informed decision-making. 
  • Digital HACCP SOP templates ensure uniformity across all locations, reducing variations in food safety practices. This enhances overall safety standards and customer experience.    

Importance of HACCP SOPs in the Food Industry

Implementing HACCP SOPs is essential in the food industry to enhance operational efficiency, ensure consistent food quality, and strengthen food safety measures.

  • Improving Operational Efficiency

HACCP-based SOPs provide clear, step-by-step instructions for routine tasks, reducing errors and streamlining processes. This clarity enables employees to perform their duties effectively, leading to increased productivity and optimal resource utilization.

  • Consistency in Food Quality

Standardized procedures ensure uniformity in food preparation and handling, resulting in consistent product quality. This builds consumer trust and reinforces your brand’s reputation.

  • Enhanced Food Safety

By identifying and controlling potential hazards, HACCP-based SOPs prevent foodborne illnesses and provide a structured approach to risk management. This minimizes the risk of contamination and safeguards consumer health. 

  • Facilitating Audits and Inspections

Comprehensive documentation of SOPs simplifies the HACCP audit process. Clear records demonstrate adherence to safety protocols, facilitating smoother inspections and fostering positive relationships with regulatory bodies.

  • Regulatory Compliance

Implementing HACCP principles ensures compliance with national and international food safety standards and regulations. 

  • Preparedness for Food Recalls

Well-documented HACCP SOPs enable swift action during food recalls. They provide a clear framework for identifying and removing affected products, minimizing health risks, and protecting the company’s reputation.

Other Popular Food & Hospitality Templates:

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HACCP SOP Checklist

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HACCP Plan Self-Assessment Checklist

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Pest Control Checklist for Food Industry

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