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?
Related Food & Hospitality Checklists
- Daily Kitchen Food Safety Inspection
- Hotel Guest Room Inspection Checklist
- HACCP Plan Audit Checklist
- Food Receiving Inspection Checklist
- Walk-in Cooler/Freezer Inspection Checklist
- Kitchen Deep Clean Checklist