Health and Safety Inspection Checklist for Restaurants
A Health and Safety Inspection Checklist for Restaurants helps managers and staff turn routine inspections into a structured process. Instead of relying on memory, it lays out clear tasks covering food storage, equipment hygiene, fire safety, employee practices, pest control, and customer areas. Each item is simple to verify — from “exit routes clear” to “refrigerators at safe temperature” — so nothing important is skipped.
For restaurants, this checklist ensures compliance with local regulations and reduces the risk of violations during official inspections. It also creates a consistent routine that helps maintain cleanliness, food safety, and employee wellbeing every day.
Supervisors benefit from having an easy audit trail. The checklist provides documentation of checks completed, issues found, and corrective actions taken — which can be critical in case of customer complaints, health audits, or insurance reviews.
The template works in both printable PDF format for quick use and in a mobile app where teams can upload photos, log temperatures, and note incidents in real time. Using it regularly helps keep the restaurant compliant, safe for employees and guests, and always inspection-ready.
Valid business and food service licenses displayed
Employee health certificates current
OSHA / local safety posters posted in staff areas
Fire inspection certificate up to date
Upload photo of license and certificate display
Note any missing documentation
Fire extinguishers present and pressure gauge in green
Record number of extinguishers checked
Emergency exit doors unlocked and unblocked
Exit signs illuminated and functional
Fire alarm and suppression systems tested this month
Upload photo of exit route clear
Describe any fire safety hazards observed
Refrigerators/freezers at proper temp (°F)
Thermometers calibrated and accurate
Raw and cooked foods stored separately
Upload photo of cooler shelves
Note expired or improperly stored food items
Cooking surfaces sanitized and free of grease buildup
Ventilation hoods clean and filters serviced
Knives and utensils stored safely
Upload photo of cleaned cooking line
Deep fryer oil filtered/changed on schedule
Cutting boards free of deep grooves
Describe any equipment needing repair or replacement
Cleaning schedule posted and followed
Sanitizer solution tested (ppm)
Trash bins emptied and liners replaced
Floors free of spills, debris, or grease
Restrooms stocked with soap, paper, and clean surfaces
Upload photo of restroom sink area
Note any areas missed in daily cleaning
Employees wearing required PPE (gloves, hairnets, aprons)
Handwashing sinks stocked and accessible
Staff observed washing hands at correct intervals
First aid kit fully stocked
PPE supplies available (count pairs of gloves)
Upload photo of handwashing station
Record any incidents or near misses this week
No signs of pests (droppings, gnaw marks, insects)
Doors and windows sealed to prevent entry
Pest control logs up to date
Upload photo of pest control service log
Describe any evidence of pests found
Floors, rugs, and mats secured with no trip hazards
Tables, chairs, and highchairs stable and sanitized
Restroom floors dry and safe
Upload photo of dining room floor after cleaning
Record number of tables inspected
Note any hazards in customer areas
Waste bins labeled and segregated (general, recycling, grease)
Grease trap serviced on schedule
Chemicals labeled (GHS compliant)
Upload photo of chemical storage shelves
Note missing SDS sheets or chemical hazards
All inspection items signed off by manager
Total number of deficiencies recorded
Additional comments, incidents, or corrective actions









