Vending Machines

Vending machines are unattended food service, so the exam focuses on packaged-food rules and the temperature log.

Key points:

  • Only machines that dispense packaged, non-TCS food can be unattended by an employee.

  • If the machine holds TCS food, it must be temperature-controlled and checked regularly.

  • Keep the machine clean, and mark the date on any TCS item it dispenses.

  • Never dispense unpackaged food from an unattended machine.

Verify it against the source, not a memory of it. On the exam you are given a number, and the right answer is the one the Food Code actually requires.

Free practice bank: FoodSafe Prep.

Related: ServSafe Manager practice test.