QSR Drive Thru Window Sanitation Audit

Inspection template for auditing drive thru window sanitation, glove use, cash handling, and safe food handoff practices in quick-service restaurants.

Drive-Thru Window Cleanliness

• Window ledge, counter, and contact surfaces are visibly clean and free of food debris
• No standing liquid, grease buildup, or sticky residue is present at the window area
• Trash, packaging, and cleaning tools are stored away from the customer handoff zone
• Window opening, sill, and surrounding surfaces are maintained to prevent cross-contamination during service
• Sanitizer or cleaning solution is not stored or sprayed in a way that can contaminate food or packaging

Employee Hygiene and Glove Use

• Employee washes or sanitizes hands before donning gloves and after contamination events
• Gloves are changed between cash handling and ready-to-eat food handling
• Gloves are not visibly torn, soiled, or reused after contamination
• Employees avoid touching face, hair, phone, or non-food surfaces while gloved
• Appropriate PPE is used for the task and does not create a food safety hazard

Cash Handling Controls

• Cash handling is separated from ready-to-eat food handling whenever possible
• Employee changes gloves or performs hand hygiene after handling cash before touching food or packaging
• Designated cash tray, drawer, or handoff method is used to minimize direct hand-to-hand contact
• Cash register area is clean and does not contaminate food-contact or packaging surfaces
• No food, utensils, or open containers are stored in the cash handling zone

Food Handoff and Packaging

• Food is handed off in clean, intact packaging with no visible contamination
• Bags, cups, lids, and seals are properly closed before handoff
• Ready-to-eat items are not exposed to bare-hand contact during handoff
• Hot and cold items are held and handed off within acceptable temperature control limits
• Condiments, utensils, and napkins are provided in a sanitary manner

Sanitation Supplies and Compliance

• Approved sanitizer and cleaning supplies are available at the drive-thru station
• Sanitizer concentration or use method follows the site SOP and manufacturer instructions
• Employees can describe the required glove-change and handwashing triggers for drive-thru service
• Supervisor has reviewed and documented corrective actions for prior drive-thru sanitation deficiencies
• Inspection notes include any observed non-conformance and immediate containment actions