School Cafeteria Food Safety Inspection Checklist
This school cafeteria inspection checklist ensures compliance with USDA National School Lunch Program requirements and FDA Food Code standards for K-12 food service operations.
- Industry: Education
- Frequency: Daily
- Estimated Time: 25-30 minutes
- Role: Food Service Director / Kitchen Manager / Health Inspector
- Total Items: 35
- Compliance: USDA NSLP Requirements, FDA Food Code 2022, HACCP Principles, State Health Codes
Temperature Control
Critical temperature monitoring
- Walk-in cooler temperature
- Walk-in freezer temperature
- Milk cooler temperature
- Hot holding temperature (sample item)
- Cold holding temperature (salad bar)
- Dishwasher final rinse temperature
Food Handling Practices
Safe food handling procedures
- Proper handwashing observed
- Gloves used for ready-to-eat foods
- Hair restraints worn by all staff
- No bare hand contact with ready-to-eat foods
- Cross-contamination prevention followed
- Allergen awareness procedures followed
Food Storage
Proper food storage practices
- FIFO (First In, First Out) followed
- All foods properly labeled and dated
- Raw foods stored below cooked foods
- Foods covered and protected
- All items stored 6 inches off floor
- No expired items in storage
Sanitation & Cleanliness
Kitchen and equipment sanitation
- Food contact surfaces clean and sanitized
- Sanitizer concentration correct (test strips used)
- Floors clean and dry
- Equipment clean and in good repair
- No evidence of pests
- Trash properly managed and removed
Documentation & Sign-Off
Required records and certification
- Temperature logs current and complete
- HACCP records maintained
- Staff health policy followed
- Any violations noted
- Violation details (if any)
- Corrective actions taken
- Inspector Signature
Initial Safety Assessment
Preliminary safety and compliance verification
- Work area safe and hazard-free?
- Required PPE available and in good condition?
- Emergency exits clear and marked?
- First aid supplies accessible?
Related Education Checklists
- School Science Laboratory Safety Inspection Checklist
- Childcare Daily Safety Inspection Checklist
- School Emergency Drill Evaluation Checklist
- K-12 Campus Safety Checklist
Why Use This School Cafeteria Food Safety Inspection Checklist?
This school cafeteria food safety inspection checklist helps education teams maintain compliance and operational excellence. Designed for food service director / kitchen manager / health inspector professionals, this checklist covers 35 critical inspection points across 6 sections. Recommended frequency: daily.
Ensures compliance with USDA NSLP Requirements, FDA Food Code 2022, HACCP Principles, State Health Codes. Regulatory-aligned for audit readiness and inspection documentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the School Cafeteria Food Safety Inspection Checklist cover?
This checklist covers 35 inspection items across 6 sections: Temperature Control, Food Handling Practices, Food Storage, Sanitation & Cleanliness, Documentation & Sign-Off, Initial Safety 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 25-30 minutes.
Who should use this School Cafeteria Food Safety Inspection Checklist?
This checklist is designed for Food Service Director / Kitchen Manager / Health Inspector 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.