When should all canned goods be checked thoroughly upon receipt?

Checking canned goods just before they are used is crucial for ensuring food safety and quality. This step allows for the assessment of the product's condition, including inspecting for any signs of damage, rust, bulging, or leakage that can indicate spoilage or contamination. By doing this immediately prior to use, it ensures that only products in excellent condition are utilized, reducing the risk of serving food that may cause illness or fail to meet safety standards.

Evaluating canned goods just after delivery or at the end of a shift may not catch potential issues if the items sit unused for a period, leading to possible deterioration or damage that could occur during storage. Assessing them after their expiration date would be too late, as quality and safety could be compromised at that point. Therefore, assessing canned goods right before usage is the most effective way to maintain food safety and ensure high food quality.