Fuente: WIPO "tomato" An automated food preparation system and method are disclosed. The system and method enable non-sequential processing of unique food orders on a plurality of trays, each identified by a unique identification code. At least two conveyors transport the trays to a plurality of stations, including a first station having a cutting module with a hopper and cutting blade for slicing vegetables, and a second station having a fluid dispensing module for dispensing sauces onto the unique order. A temperature regulation system maintains food components at food-safe temperatures, including refrigerated temperatures between 34° F and 40° F and hot storage temperatures above 140° F. A plurality of sensors detect the presence of each tray at each station and transmit signals to an action controller that executes cutting and dispensing actions. Temperature levels are continuously monitored by a remote temperature monitoring system and reported to a remote controller.