Grocery Bulk Foods Allergen Segregation Audit

Verification audit that allergen-containing bulk food items are stored and scooped separately, labeled correctly, and that cross-contact risks are controlled throughout the bulk foods department.

Allergen Control Plan and Documentation

• Written allergen control plan is present, current (reviewed within 12 months), and accessible to bulk foods staff
• Allergen control plan identifies all Big-9 allergens (milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, soybeans, sesame) present in the bulk foods department
• Ingredient supplier specifications or COAs (Certificates of Analysis) are on file and confirm allergen declarations for all bulk items
• Allergen incident or cross-contact log is maintained and reviewed by the Person-In-Charge (PIC)
• Date of last allergen control plan review

Bin Storage and Physical Segregation

• Allergen-containing bins (e.g., peanuts, tree nuts, wheat, sesame) are physically separated from allergen-free bins by a minimum gap or physical barrier
• Bins containing airborne allergen risks (e.g., wheat flour, powdered milk, ground nuts) are stored away from open allergen-free bins to prevent dust drift
• All bulk bins have tight-fitting lids or covers that are closed when not in active use
• Bins are free of visible spillage, cross-contamination residue, or allergen debris from adjacent bins
• Number of allergen-containing bins observed without adequate separation or barrier
• Storage layout matches the allergen segregation map or diagram in the allergen control plan

Scoops, Utensils, and Dispensing Equipment

• Each allergen-containing bin has its own dedicated scoop or utensil that is NOT shared with allergen-free bins
• Dedicated allergen scoops are visually distinguishable (e.g., color-coded, labeled) from scoops used in allergen-free bins
• Scoops are stored in-bin handle-up or in a designated holder — NOT resting on bin rims or shared surfaces where cross-contact can occur
• Scoops and utensils are clean, free of visible food residue, and in good repair (no cracks or chips that harbor allergen residue)
• Bulk dispensing equipment (gravity bins, augers) used for allergen items is clearly identified and not used interchangeably with allergen-free equipment

Allergen Labeling and Customer Communication

• Every bulk bin has a label that includes the product name and lists all allergens present (Big-9) in plain language or with 'Contains:' statement
• Labels include 'May contain' or 'Processed in a facility with' advisory statements where shared equipment or facility cross-contact risk exists
• Labels are legible, securely attached, and positioned so they are visible to customers before scooping
• Number of bins observed with missing, illegible, or inaccurate allergen labels
• Customer-facing allergen information signage (e.g., 'Ask a team member about allergens') is posted at the bulk foods section entrance

Cleaning, Sanitation, and Cross-Contact Prevention

• Written cleaning schedule specifies allergen-dedicated cleaning procedures for bulk bins, scoops, and surrounding surfaces
• Cleaning logs confirm allergen bins and utensils were cleaned and sanitized within the required frequency (per cleaning schedule)
• Cleaning cloths, mops, or wipes used in allergen bin areas are NOT reused in allergen-free bin areas without laundering or replacement
• Allergen residue test (ATP swab or allergen-specific lateral flow test) results for bulk bin surfaces are within acceptable limits (if testing program is in place)
• Floors and shelving beneath and around allergen bins are free of accumulated allergen debris or spillage

Employee Training and Awareness

• All bulk foods department staff have documented allergen awareness training on file (completed within the past 12 months)
• Staff member interviewed can correctly identify the Big-9 allergens and explain the department's scoop segregation procedure
• Staff member interviewed can describe the correct response when a customer reports an allergen concern or cross-contact incident
• Additional observations or corrective actions noted during audit