What should be checked when receiving food shipments?

When receiving food shipments, it is crucial to check for pests in the vehicle. This is important because pests can contaminate food supplies during transportation. The presence of pests indicates a breach in food safety and can lead to significant health risks, including foodborne illnesses. Inspecting vehicles for signs of pests, such as rodents or insects, helps ensure that the food being received is safe and has not been compromised during transit. Maintaining strict checks for pests is part of good food safety practices and supports the overall integrity of the food supply chain.

The other options relate to practices that compromise food safety and are not acceptable protocols in the food handling process. Accepting shipments from any source does not consider the reliability and safety of suppliers. Storing chemicals and food together poses a contamination risk, and ignoring the temperature of foods received can lead to unsafe food conditions, especially for temperature-sensitive items. Ensuring these standards are met helps prevent potential food safety incidents.