Childcare Food Safety Checklist
Comprehensive childcare food safety checklist covering CACFP requirements, allergen management, and age-appropriate food preparation.
- Industry: Childcare
- Frequency: Per meal service
- Estimated Time: 10-15 minutes
- Role: Childcare Director/Food Service Staff
- Total Items: 30
- Compliance: USDA CACFP, State Childcare Licensing, FDA Food Code
Age-Appropriate Foods
Choking hazards
- Choking hazards eliminated/modified?
- Age-appropriate portion sizes?
- Texture appropriate for age group?
Allergen Management
Child allergies
- Allergy list reviewed before prep?
- Allergen-free meals for affected children?
- Appropriate substitutions provided?
Food Safety
Safe preparation
- Food temperatures checked?
- Staff handwashing observed?
- Eating surfaces sanitized?
Meal Service
Serving practices
- Children supervised while eating?
- Food sharing prevented?
Pre-Inspection Information
Initial inspection details and documentation
- Inspector Name
- Inspection Date
- Location / Kitchen Area
- Inspection Type (Routine/Follow-up/Complaint)
- Previous inspection date and findings reviewed?
Temperature Control & Monitoring
Verify all temperature-sensitive equipment and food items
- Refrigerator temperature at or below 41°F (5°C)?
- Freezer temperature at or below 0°F (-18°C)?
- Hot holding foods at or above 135°F (57°C)?
- Thermometers calibrated and functional?
- Temperature logs current and properly maintained?
Food Handling & Cross-Contamination Prevention
Proper food handling practices and contamination prevention
- Proper handwashing observed (20 seconds, soap)?
- Gloves used properly for ready-to-eat foods?
- Raw and cooked foods properly separated?
- Color-coded cutting boards used correctly?
- Allergen cross-contact controls in place?
Food Storage & Labeling
Proper storage, rotation, and labeling of food items
- FIFO (First In, First Out) rotation followed?
- All items properly date-labeled?
- Food stored 6 inches off floor?
- No expired products in storage?
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Why Use This Childcare Food Safety Checklist?
This childcare food safety checklist helps childcare teams maintain compliance and operational excellence. Designed for childcare director/food service staff professionals, this checklist covers 30 critical inspection points across 8 sections. Recommended frequency: per meal service.
Ensures compliance with USDA CACFP, State Childcare Licensing, FDA Food Code. Regulatory-aligned for audit readiness and inspection documentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Childcare Food Safety Checklist cover?
This checklist covers 30 inspection items across 8 sections: Age-Appropriate Foods, Allergen Management, Food Safety, Meal Service, Pre-Inspection Information, Temperature Control & Monitoring, Food Handling & Cross-Contamination Prevention, Food Storage & Labeling. It is designed for childcare operations and compliance.
How often should this checklist be completed?
This checklist should be completed per meal service. Each completion takes approximately 10-15 minutes.
Who should use this Childcare Food Safety Checklist?
This checklist is designed for Childcare Director/Food Service Staff professionals in the childcare 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.