Childcare Kitchen and Food Service Daily Sanitation Inspection
Childcare kitchen sanitation directly affects child health. This daily inspection verifies food safety practices meet state health department requirements, CACFP food safety standards, and CDC food safety guidelines to prevent foodborne illness among vulnerable young children.
- Industry: Childcare and Education
- Frequency: Daily before meal service
- Estimated Time: 20 minutes
- Role: Food Service Manager / Kitchen Staff
- Total Items: 31
Food Handler Hygiene
Verify food handler hygiene compliance.
- All food handlers washed hands before beginning food preparation?
- No food handlers with vomiting, diarrhea, jaundice, or infected wounds working with food?
- All food handlers wearing hair restraints?
- Clean aprons or uniforms worn by all kitchen staff?
- No jewelry except plain wedding band worn during food prep?
- All food handlers have required food safety certification current?
Temperature Control
Verify temperature control and monitoring.
- Refrigerator temperature at or below 41 degrees Fahrenheit?
- Freezer temperature at or below 0 degrees Fahrenheit?
- Hot foods held at 135 degrees Fahrenheit or above?
- Probe thermometer calibrated and functional?
- Temperature log completed for refrigerators and hot holding?
Food Storage
Inspect food storage areas.
- Raw meat stored on lowest shelf below ready-to-eat foods?
- All prepared food containers labeled with contents and date?
- FIFO rotation practiced with oldest items used first?
- No expired food items in storage or refrigerator?
- Dry goods stored in sealed containers off the floor?
Equipment and Surface Sanitation
Inspect kitchen equipment sanitation.
- All food contact surfaces cleaned and sanitized before use?
- Sanitizer solution at correct concentration (chlorine 50-100 ppm or QUAT 200 ppm)?
- Cutting boards sanitized between uses and between different food types?
- All utensils and equipment clean from previous day?
- Handwashing sink separate from food prep and dish washing sinks?
Pest Management in Kitchen
Inspect kitchen for pest activity.
- No evidence of pest activity including droppings, nests, or damage?
- Gaps, cracks, and entry points sealed to prevent pest entry?
- No food debris, spills, or crumbs that could attract pests?
- Garbage containers covered and emptied regularly?
- Pest control service log current with most recent inspection documented?
Allergen Management
Verify allergen management in kitchen.
- Current list of enrolled children's food allergies posted in kitchen?
- Allergy-safe meals prepared separately with labeled, dedicated equipment?
- All kitchen staff trained on enrolled children's food allergies and emergency response?
- All ingredients checked for top 9 allergens before use?
- EpiPens for children with severe allergies accessible during meal service?
Related Childcare Education Checklists
- CACFP Menu Planning and Nutritional Compliance Review
- Childcare Food Allergy Management Compliance
- Childcare Nutrition Education and Healthy Eating Program
- CACFP Monthly Food Program Compliance Audit
- Childcare Stranger Safety and Child Protection Awareness Program
- Childcare Transportation Bus Emergency Evacuation Drill
- Childcare Center Annual Family Satisfaction and Quality Survey
- Teen and Middle School After-School Program Safety Protocol
Related Nutrition Meals Checklists
- CACFP Menu Planning and Nutritional Compliance Review - FREE Download
- Childcare Food Allergy Management Compliance - 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
Why Use This Childcare Kitchen and Food Service Daily Sanitation Inspection?
This childcare kitchen and food service daily sanitation inspection helps childcare and education teams maintain compliance and operational excellence. Designed for food service manager / kitchen staff professionals, this checklist covers 31 critical inspection points across 6 sections. Recommended frequency: daily before meal service.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Childcare Kitchen and Food Service Daily Sanitation Inspection cover?
This checklist covers 31 inspection items across 6 sections: Food Handler Hygiene, Temperature Control, Food Storage, Equipment and Surface Sanitation, Pest Management in Kitchen, Allergen Management. It is designed for childcare and education operations and compliance.
How often should this checklist be completed?
This checklist should be completed daily before meal service. Each completion takes approximately 20 minutes.
Who should use this Childcare Kitchen and Food Service Daily Sanitation Inspection?
This checklist is designed for Food Service Manager / Kitchen Staff 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.