School Cafeteria Opening Checklist
Complete before meal service begins.
- Industry: Education
- Frequency: Daily
- Estimated Time: 15-20 minutes
- Role: Cafeteria Manager / Staff
- Total Items: 30
- Compliance: USDA School Meal Programs, Health Department
Food Safety
Check food safety items.
- Cooler at 41F or below?
- Freezer at 0F or below?
- Hot holding at 135F or above?
- Thermometers calibrated?
Sanitation
Check cleanliness.
- Work surfaces clean and sanitized?
- Handwash stations stocked?
- Equipment clean?
- Dishes/utensils clean?
Service Readiness
Prepare for service.
- Daily menu posted?
- Serving line set up?
- Cashier station ready?
- All staff present?
Initial Setup & Documentation
Complete initial documentation and preparation
- Inspector / Assessor Name
- Date
- Location / Area
- Inspection Type
- Previous findings reviewed?
Safety & Compliance Verification
Verify all safety requirements are met
- All safety protocols being followed?
- Emergency exits clear and accessible?
- First aid supplies available and stocked?
- All hazards identified and controlled?
- Required PPE being worn correctly?
Operational Standards Check
Verify operational standards and procedures are maintained
- Standard operating procedures being followed?
- All equipment in proper working condition?
- Maintenance schedule current?
- All staff training current and documented?
Quality Assessment
Evaluate quality standards and performance metrics
- Quality standards met for all items checked?
- Any deficiencies or non-conformances identified?
- Root cause analysis completed for issues?
- Continuous improvement opportunities identified?
Related Education Checklists
- K-12 Classroom Safety Inspection Checklist
- School Playground Safety Inspection Checklist
- Classroom Daily Safety Check
- Laboratory Safety Checklist
- Daily Campus Safety
- Lockdown Drill Log
- Visitor Management
- Playground Safety Inspection
Related Facility Safety Checklists
- Classroom Daily Safety Check - FREE Download
- Laboratory Safety Checklist - FREE Download
- Cafeteria Food Service Inspection - FREE Download
- Science Lab Safety Checklist - FREE Download
- K-12 Classroom Safety Inspection Checklist - FREE Download
- School Playground Safety Inspection Checklist - FREE Download
Why Use This School Cafeteria Opening Checklist?
This school cafeteria opening checklist helps education teams maintain compliance and operational excellence. Designed for cafeteria manager / staff professionals, this checklist covers 30 critical inspection points across 7 sections. Recommended frequency: daily.
Ensures compliance with USDA School Meal Programs, Health Department. Regulatory-aligned for audit readiness and inspection documentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the School Cafeteria Opening Checklist cover?
This checklist covers 30 inspection items across 7 sections: Food Safety, Sanitation, Service Readiness, Initial Setup & Documentation, Safety & Compliance Verification, Operational Standards Check, Quality Assessment. It is designed for education operations and compliance.
How often should this checklist be completed?
This checklist should be completed daily. Each completion takes approximately 15-20 minutes.
Who should use this School Cafeteria Opening Checklist?
This checklist is designed for Cafeteria Manager / Staff professionals in the 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.