Childcare Food Allergy Management Compliance
Food allergies affect approximately 8% of children, with some capable of causing life-threatening anaphylaxis. This compliance checklist verifies that food allergy identification, meal accommodation, emergency protocols, and staff training systems protect all enrolled children with dietary restrictions.
- Industry: Childcare and Education
- Frequency: Monthly
- Estimated Time: 30-45 minutes
- Role: CACFP Coordinator / Center Director
- Total Items: 32
Allergy Identification and Documentation
Verify all child allergies are documented.
- All enrolled children's food allergies documented in enrollment files?
- Physician-signed allergy statements on file for all children with allergies?
- Severity level of each allergy documented (mild/moderate/severe/anaphylaxis)?
- Emergency contacts current for all children with severe allergies?
- Master allergy list updated within past 30 days?
Kitchen Protocols and Meal Preparation
Verify kitchen has safe food preparation protocols for allergic children.
- Current allergen list posted prominently in kitchen?
- Designated allergen-free preparation area for severe allergy meals?
- Cross-contact prevention protocols in place (separate utensils, surfaces)?
- Allergen-free meals labeled with child's name before leaving kitchen?
- All kitchen staff trained on the center's top allergens and meal modifications?
- Ingredient labels checked for all packaged foods before serving?
Emergency Response Protocols
Verify anaphylaxis emergency protocols.
- Epinephrine auto-injector on site and accessible for all at-risk children?
- All epinephrine auto-injectors not expired?
- At least two staff trained in epinephrine auto-injector use for every at-risk child?
- Written allergy action plan on file and accessible for each at-risk child?
- Staff have practiced anaphylaxis response scenario this year?
- Staff trained that for anaphylaxis: use epinephrine first, call 911 immediately?
Staff Training and Awareness
Verify all staff are trained on food allergy management.
- All staff (not just kitchen) trained on program's food allergy protocols?
- Staff can identify signs of allergic reaction and anaphylaxis?
- All classroom staff aware of which children in their group have allergies?
- Substitute staff informed of enrolled children's allergies on day of service?
- Parents/guardians informed of center's allergy management protocols?
Field Trips and Special Events
Verify allergy protocols for off-site activities.
- Epinephrine auto-injector travels with at-risk children on all field trips?
- Written policy governing food for birthday and holiday celebrations?
- Parent-brought birthday foods reviewed for allergen safety before distribution?
- Safe alternative treat ready for allergic children at celebrations?
- Child-to-child food sharing prohibited and enforced?
CACFP Meal Substitution Compliance
Verify CACFP meal substitution documentation.
- CACFP meal substitutions documented with physician statements on file?
- Substitute foods are CACFP creditable items?
- CACFP claims accurately reflect meal substitutions provided?
- Children with severe food allergies accommodated as disability under ADA?
- Allergy management notes
Related Childcare Education Checklists
- Childcare Nutrition Education and Healthy Eating Program
- CACFP Monthly Food Program Compliance Audit
- Childcare Special Diet and Food Allergy Management
- Childcare Mealtime Supervision and Nutrition Observation
- After-School Program Pickup Authorization and Safety
- Childcare State Licensing Compliance Self-Audit
- Childcare Staff Training and Professional Development Compliance
- Childcare Transportation Safety Inspection
Related Nutrition Meals Checklists
- CACFP Menu Planning and Nutritional Compliance Review - FREE Download
- Childcare Nutrition Education and Healthy Eating Program - FREE Download
- CACFP Monthly Food Program Compliance Audit - FREE Download
- Childcare Special Diet and Food Allergy Management - FREE Download
- Childcare Mealtime Supervision and Nutrition Observation - FREE Download
- Childcare Center Menu Planning and CACFP Compliance Review - FREE Download
- Childcare Kitchen and Food Service Daily Sanitation Inspection - FREE Download
Why Use This Childcare Food Allergy Management Compliance?
This childcare food allergy management compliance helps childcare and education teams maintain compliance and operational excellence. Designed for cacfp coordinator / center director professionals, this checklist covers 32 critical inspection points across 6 sections. Recommended frequency: monthly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Childcare Food Allergy Management Compliance cover?
This checklist covers 32 inspection items across 6 sections: Allergy Identification and Documentation, Kitchen Protocols and Meal Preparation, Emergency Response Protocols, Staff Training and Awareness, Field Trips and Special Events, CACFP Meal Substitution Compliance. It is designed for childcare and education operations and compliance.
How often should this checklist be completed?
This checklist should be completed monthly. Each completion takes approximately 30-45 minutes.
Who should use this Childcare Food Allergy Management Compliance?
This checklist is designed for CACFP Coordinator / Center Director professionals in the childcare and education industry. It can be used for self-assessments, team audits, and regulatory compliance documentation.
Can I download this checklist as a PDF?
Yes, this checklist is available as a free PDF download. You can also use it digitally in the POPProbe mobile app for real-time data capture, photo documentation, and automatic reporting.