Which three items must be checked when recovering ground beef during delivery?

The correct choice emphasizes critical elements that ensure the ground beef received is safe, high-quality, and suitable for use. When recovering ground beef during delivery, checking the packaging is essential to ensure it is intact and undamaged, as any compromise could lead to contamination. Temperature is equally important; ground beef must be stored and transported at the appropriate temperatures to prevent bacterial growth and ensure food safety. Lastly, the grind-on/pack date indicates how fresh the product is, allowing the manager to assess its quality and usability in relation to shelf life.

In contrast, the other options focus on aspects that are less critical during the delivery recovery process. While expiration dates, costs, and weight can be important in inventory management, they do not directly relate to the immediate safety and quality assessment upon delivery. Similarly, evaluating smell, color, and texture is generally conducted at the point of preparation or cooking, rather than during delivery. Lastly, while cooking dates, packaging, and supplier information are relevant, they lack the immediacy of packaging integrity, temperature control, and freshness associated with ground beef at the moment of receipt.