Childcare Center Food Safety Checklist [FREE PDF]
Childcare cooks and directors use this checklist for food safety per USDA Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) requirements and FDA Food Code for institutional feeding of children.
- Industry: Childcare / Food Service
- Frequency: Daily
- Estimated Time: 10-15 minutes
- Role: Childcare Center Cook
- Total Items: 8
- Compliance: USDA CACFP 7 CFR 226, FDA Food Code 2022
Food Preparation & Allergen Safety
Verify safe food preparation and allergen management for children.
- Are foods cooked to proper internal temperatures and hot-held at 135°F+?
- Are children's allergy lists posted and allergen-free meals prepared separately?
- Are foods cut to appropriate sizes to prevent choking (grapes halved, hotdogs quartered)?
- Food preparation notes
Sanitation & Storage
Verify kitchen sanitation and food storage compliance.
- Are staff and children washing hands before meals per posted procedure?
- Is the refrigerator at 41°F or below and freezer at 0°F or below?
- Are eating surfaces sanitized before and after meals with approved solution?
- Sanitation notes
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Related Food Safety Checklists
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Why Use This Childcare Center Food Safety Checklist [FREE PDF]?
This childcare center food safety checklist [free pdf] helps childcare / food service teams maintain compliance and operational excellence. Designed for childcare center cook professionals, this checklist covers 8 critical inspection points across 2 sections. Recommended frequency: daily.
Ensures compliance with USDA CACFP 7 CFR 226, FDA Food Code 2022. Regulatory-aligned for audit readiness and inspection documentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Childcare Center Food Safety Checklist [FREE PDF] cover?
This checklist covers 8 inspection items across 2 sections: Food Preparation & Allergen Safety, Sanitation & Storage. It is designed for childcare / food service operations and compliance.
How often should this checklist be completed?
This checklist should be completed daily. Each completion takes approximately 10-15 minutes.
Who should use this Childcare Center Food Safety Checklist [FREE PDF]?
This checklist is designed for Childcare Center Cook professionals in the childcare / food service 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.