What should you do if food shipments are not delivered at the correct temperatures?

Rejecting a delivery when food shipments are not delivered at the correct temperatures is essential for ensuring food safety. When food is exposed to temperatures outside of the safe zone (typically above 41°F for cold foods or below 135°F for hot foods), it may allow harmful bacteria to grow. Consuming food that has been improperly stored can lead to foodborne illnesses, which pose significant health risks.

Rejecting the delivery immediately protects both the customers and the establishment from potential contamination and illness. It reflects a commitment to maintaining high food safety standards and ensures that only food products that meet proper temperature controls are accepted into the facility. This practice aligns with food safety protocols and regulations that require monitoring food temperatures to prevent foodborne pathogens from thriving.

Accepting the delivery and checking later, using the food as soon as possible, or storing the food at room temperature would not adequately mitigate the risks associated with potentially spoiled food. Each of these actions could compromise food safety and lead to serious consequences for both the food service operation and its patrons.