Australia Childcare Centre Food Safety Checklist
This childcare centre food safety checklist ensures compliance with FSANZ Food Safety Standards, the National Quality Framework (NQF) Quality Area 2 (Children's Health and Safety), Education and Care Services National Regulations, and state/territory food safety requirements. Childcare centres must manage food allergens, bottle preparation, and safe food handling for vulnerable populations. Complete daily.
- Industry: Food & Hospitality
- Frequency: Daily
- Estimated Time: 15-20 minutes
- Role: Centre Director / Cook / Nominated Supervisor
- Total Items: 28
- Compliance: FSANZ Standards 3.2.2/3.2.3, National Quality Framework, Education and Care Services National Regulations, FSANZ Standard 1.2.3, ASCIA Guidelines
Food Preparation & Handling
Safe food preparation for children.
- Kitchen clean and sanitised before food preparation?
- Handwashing performed before food preparation?
- Foods prepared age-appropriately (choking hazards minimised)?
- Individual dietary requirements/restrictions met?
- Menu displayed for families and includes allergen info?
Allergen Management
Allergen management per ASCIA and FSANZ guidelines.
- Current allergy/anaphylaxis action plans on file?
- EpiPens/adrenaline injectors accessible and in date?
- All staff trained in anaphylaxis management?
- Allergen-free zones/practices implemented?
- Food from home checked against child's allergies?
Bottle & Formula Preparation
Safe bottle and formula preparation for infants.
- Bottles labelled with child's name and date?
- Formula prepared per manufacturer instructions?
- Bottles warmed safely (not in microwave)?
- Breast milk stored and handled correctly?
- Bottles and teats cleaned and sterilised?
Temperature Control
Food temperature management.
- Refrigerator at 5 degrees C or below?
- Refrigerator temperature
- Hot food served at safe temperature (60 degrees C+)?
- Food not left at room temperature for more than 2 hours?
Mealtime Supervision & Safety
Supervision during mealtimes per NQF requirements.
- Supervision ratios maintained during mealtimes?
- Children seated while eating?
- Clean drinking water available throughout the day?
- Nutrition education integrated into program?
Hygiene & Cleaning
Cleaning and hygiene practices in food areas.
- Tables/highchairs sanitised before and after meals?
- Children's handwashing supervised before meals?
- Cleaning products stored safely away from children?
- Food waste disposed of promptly?
- Additional observations and actions required
Related Food Safety Checklists
- Australia Allergen Management Checklist (FSANZ 1.2.3)
- Stadium and Arena Concession Food Safety Inspection Checklist
- Catering Truck and Mobile Food Unit Food Safety Checklist
- Catering Truck and Commissary Daily Food Safety Inspection Checklist
- Australia Seafood Handling & Storage Checklist
- School Cafeteria Food Safety Inspection Checklist
- Food Truck Daily Operations and Safety Inspection Checklist
- Poultry Processing Plant HACCP Daily Inspection Checklist
Related Food Handling Checklists
- Australia Meat Processing Hygiene Checklist (DAWE Export) - FREE Download
- Australia Allergen Management Checklist (FSANZ 1.2.3) - FREE Download
- Stadium and Arena Concession Food Safety Inspection Checklist - FREE Download
- Catering Truck and Mobile Food Unit Food Safety Checklist - FREE Download
- Catering Truck and Commissary Daily Food Safety Inspection Checklist - FREE Download
Why Use This Australia Childcare Centre Food Safety Checklist?
This australia childcare centre food safety checklist helps food & hospitality teams maintain compliance and operational excellence. Designed for centre director / cook / nominated supervisor professionals, this checklist covers 28 critical inspection points across 6 sections. Recommended frequency: daily.
Ensures compliance with FSANZ Standards 3.2.2/3.2.3, National Quality Framework, Education and Care Services National Regulations, FSANZ Standard 1.2.3, ASCIA Guidelines. Regulatory-aligned for audit readiness and inspection documentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Australia Childcare Centre Food Safety Checklist cover?
This checklist covers 28 inspection items across 6 sections: Food Preparation & Handling, Allergen Management, Bottle & Formula Preparation, Temperature Control, Mealtime Supervision & Safety, Hygiene & Cleaning. It is designed for food & hospitality 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 Australia Childcare Centre Food Safety Checklist?
This checklist is designed for Centre Director / Cook / Nominated Supervisor professionals in the food & hospitality 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.