When should food services check the temperature of refrigerated food upon delivery?

The correct answer emphasizes the importance of ensuring food safety prior to accepting a shipment. Checking the temperature of refrigerated food before signing off on the delivery allows food service operators to confirm that the food has been kept at safe temperatures throughout transit. This step is crucial because if the items were not maintained at the appropriate temperature, they could pose a risk of foodborne illness due to potential bacterial growth.

By verifying the temperature beforehand, food service personnel can make informed decisions about accepting or rejecting the shipment based on food safety standards. This proactive approach helps maintain the integrity of food safety protocols, reducing the risk of serving unsafe food to customers.

The other options do not stress this critical moment of verification before accepting the delivery, potentially leading to situations where unsafe food products might be accepted without proper checks.