School Cafeteria Food Safety Checklist
Comprehensive school cafeteria food safety checklist covering USDA meal program requirements, allergen management, and food safety protocols.
- Industry: School Food Service
- Frequency: Daily
- Estimated Time: 15-20 minutes
- Role: Cafeteria Manager
- Total Items: 30
- Compliance: USDA NSLP, FDA Food Code, State Education Department
Temperature Control
Food temperatures
- Breakfast items at proper temps?
- Lunch items at proper temps?
- Milk at 41°F or below?
Allergen Management
Allergy safety
- Allergen information available?
- Special diet meals prepared correctly?
- Cross-contact prevention followed?
Serving Line
Service safety
- Staff handwashing observed?
- Proper utensils used (no bare hand contact)?
- Sneeze guards in place?
Sanitation
Cleaning
- Tables sanitized between groups?
- Equipment clean?
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 School Cafeteria Food Safety Checklist?
This school cafeteria food safety checklist helps school food service teams maintain compliance and operational excellence. Designed for cafeteria manager professionals, this checklist covers 30 critical inspection points across 8 sections. Recommended frequency: daily.
Ensures compliance with USDA NSLP, FDA Food Code, State Education Department. Regulatory-aligned for audit readiness and inspection documentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the School Cafeteria Food Safety Checklist cover?
This checklist covers 30 inspection items across 8 sections: Temperature Control, Allergen Management, Serving Line, Sanitation, Pre-Inspection Information, Temperature Control & Monitoring, Food Handling & Cross-Contamination Prevention, Food Storage & Labeling. It is designed for school food service 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 Food Safety Checklist?
This checklist is designed for Cafeteria Manager professionals in the school 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.