Food Preparation Workers

Task by task

Each task this job involves, as listed by O*NET, rated on whether a large language model like GPT-4 could cut the time it takes by at least half at the same quality. Tasks marked Seen in real AI use appeared in conversations with Claude in April–May 2026 (Anthropic Economic Index).

• AI can speed this up on its own: 1 (3%)
• AI can speed this up with extra software: 1 (3%)
• Little or no AI speed-up: 29 (94%)

• Keep records of the quantities of food used.AI can speed this up on its own · supplemental task · Seen in real AI use
• Inform supervisors when equipment is not working properly and when food and supplies are getting low, and order needed items.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task · Seen in real AI use
• Clean and sanitize work areas, equipment, utensils, dishes, or silverware.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Store food in designated containers and storage areas to prevent spoilage.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Portion and wrap food, or place it directly on plates for service to patrons.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Take and record temperature of food and food storage areas, such as refrigerators and freezers.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Prepare a variety of foods, such as meats, vegetables, or desserts, according to customers' orders or supervisors' instructions, following approved procedures.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Place food trays over food warmers for immediate service, or store them in refrigerated storage cabinets.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Package take-out foods or serve food to customers.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Stock cupboards and refrigerators, and tend salad bars and buffet meals.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Wash, peel, and cut various foods, such as fruits and vegetables, to prepare for cooking or serving.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Carry food supplies, equipment, and utensils to and from storage and work areas.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Distribute food to waiters and waitresses to serve to customers.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Cut, slice or grind meat, poultry, and seafood to prepare for cooking.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Remove trash and clean kitchen garbage containers.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Receive and store food supplies, equipment, and utensils in refrigerators, cupboards, and other storage areas.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Weigh or measure ingredients.Little or no AI speed-up · core task · Seen in real AI use
• Assist cooks and kitchen staff with various tasks as needed, and provide cooks with needed items.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Add cutlery, napkins, food, and other items to trays on assembly lines in hospitals, cafeterias, airline kitchens, and similar establishments.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Use manual or electric appliances to clean, peel, slice, and trim foods.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Scrape leftovers from dishes into garbage containers.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Load dishes, glasses, and tableware into dishwashing machines.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Make special dressings and sauces as condiments for sandwiches.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Mix ingredients for green salads, molded fruit salads, vegetable salads, and pasta salads.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Operate cash register, handle money, and give correct change.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
• Vacuum dining area and sweep and mop kitchen floor.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
• Assemble meal trays with foods in accordance with patients' diets.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
• Distribute menus to hospital patients, collect diet sheets, and deliver food trays and snacks to nursing units or directly to patients.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
• Stir and strain soups and sauces.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
• Butcher and clean fowl, fish, poultry, and shellfish to prepare for cooking or serving.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
• Prepare and serve a variety of beverages, such as coffee, tea, and soft drinks.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task

Questions about food preparation workers and AI