Portugal: records to keep

“Law” is a binding rule. “Official guidance” is not law, but inspectors expect it. “Chef Hygiene default” is a value the app checks against where no rule gives a number.

• LawRestaurants need own checks (autocontrolo) based on HACCP principles, with the flexibility Regulation 852/2004 gives small businesses (Decreto-Lei 113/2006).
• Official guidanceASAE says records can cover temperatures, cleaning, goods received, pest control, training, maintenance, corrective actions and allergen management. Paper or digital is fine.
• Official guidanceThe AHRESP code says to record fridge and freezer temperatures at least once a day. Food law sets no fixed record period.
• LawEvery restaurant must have the paper complaints book and the electronic one (livroreclamacoes.pt), with a sign in a visible place. Keep closed books for at least 3 years (Decreto-Lei 156/2005).