What should be monitored closely to ensure food quality when receiving products?

Monitoring the date received is crucial for ensuring food quality upon receipt of products because it directly impacts safety and freshness. Food products are often perishable and have specific shelf lives. When items are received, it is essential to check the date to make sure that they align with company standards for freshness and that they have not exceeded their use-by or expiration dates. This helps prevent serving spoiled or unsafe food to customers, which is vital for maintaining food quality and safety standards in any food service operation.

Additionally, while factors like packaging quality, the supplier's reputation, and shipping temperatures are important, they serve more as supporting criteria rather than primary indicators. The date received gives a straightforward assurance regarding how fresh the products are, making it a key element in the decision-making process about what is suitable for use.