Food Safety & Special Diets

Schools participating in federal Child Nutrition Programs are required to:

• Have a School Food Safety Program based on Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) principles. 7 CFR 210.13(c) and record & maintain temperature records 7 CFR 210.15(b)(5)
• Request and obtain a minimum of two food safety inspections during each school year and post in a publicly visible location a report of the most recent inspection conducted. 7 CFR 210.13(b).
• Accommodate children with disabilities in the School Meal Programs (this may include food allergies, food intolerances, texture sensitive, for examples). 7 CFR 210.10(m)
  • In order to receive Federal reimbursement for modified meals that do not meet the Program meal pattern requirements, SFAs must require a written medical statement signed by a State licensed healthcare professional (physician, nurse practitioner, physician's assistant, registered dietitian and mental health provider)or registered dietitian. Although it is not required by FNS, SFAs may choose to request a written medical statement from a State licensed healthcare professional in support of a request for a modification within the Program meal pattern.

Resources:

• Form Request for Sanitation Inspection: Schools must request two sanitation inspections per school year
• Find Your County Sanitarian
• Final Rule: Food Safety Inspections USDA
• Food Safety Inspections in Non-Traditional School Settings USDA 
• Montana HACCP Plan Template
• HACCP Based Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) from ICN

HACCP Based Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) from ICN