Receive food

Food businesses must only receive food that is safe and suitable.

You should check food on arrival for:

Check food is at the correct (<5°C for chilled foods or frozen hard) when it is received.

Make sure there are no signs of contamination and that the packaging is not broken.

Check the label can be clearly read and shows name, ingredients, and a use-by or best-before date.

Check eggs to make sure they are clean, not cracked and stamped.

Check the food delivery vehicle is clean.

Records

Keeping a record of the name and address of your suppliers and the food that is stored on your premises is helpful if there is a food recall, a customer alleges food poisoning or you need to contact the supplier if you reject food from a delivery.

The following records can be used when you receive food:

More information

Contact your local council for more information about processing food safely in your food business.

Read more about: