What should a food handler do if they notice improper food temperatures during a delivery?

When a food handler notices improper food temperatures during a delivery, the most appropriate and responsible action is to reject the delivery and inform management. This response is crucial for several reasons.

Firstly, food safety is paramount, and items delivered at improper temperatures can harbor harmful bacteria, increasing the risk of foodborne illnesses. By rejecting the delivery, the food handler actively prevents these potentially dangerous products from being accepted into the inventory, thus protecting the health of customers.

Additionally, informing management is essential in this scenario because it allows for a proper investigation into the issue. Management may need to follow up with the supplier, assess the delivery conditions, and consider necessary changes to prevent future occurrences. This communication also ensures that all team members are aware of food safety standards and the importance of maintaining the integrity of products received.

Choosing to document and proceed with the delivery would undermine food safety protocols, while storing the items to check later could result in unsafe food being served. Ignoring the issue entirely compromises customer safety, which can lead to severe consequences for both the customers and the establishment. Therefore, rejecting the delivery and informing management is the most effective way to ensure food safety standards are maintained.