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Enhancing the School Food Safety Program


Nutrition Services Division Management Bulletin

Purpose: Policy, Action Required, Beneficial Information

To: School Nutrition Programs Sponsors

Number: USDA-SNP-15-2011

Attention: Food Service Directors

Date: December 2011

Subject: Enhancing the School Food Safety Program

Reference: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, Policy Memo SP 37-2011

This management bulletin notifies School Nutrition Program sponsors of new U.S. Department of Agriculture requirements for all food safety programs (FSPs) operated in a school.  

This requirement pertains to participants of the National School Lunch Program, School Breakfast Program, Special Milk Program, the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program, and the Afterschool Care Programs.

Background

On December 13, 2010, President Obama signed the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010 (Act), reauthorizing the Child Nutrition Programs. Section 205 of the Act amended section 9(h)(5) of the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act, by modifying requirements for school FSPs. It requires that school FSPs apply the Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) principles not only to the cafeteria but also to any facility where food is stored, prepared, or served.

Requirements

Standard operating procedures in school FSPs must be updated to include any facility or part of a facility where food is stored, prepared, or served. The HACCP principles for food served in the cafeteria apply to all other facilities and can include, but are not limited to the following:

  • School buses
  • Hallways on school campuses
  • School courtyards
  • Kiosks
  • Classrooms
Implementation

These requirements have been effective since July 1, 2011.

If you have any questions, please contact the School Nutrition Program Unit at SNPInfo@cde.ca.gov.

Questions:   Nutrition Services Division | 800-952-5609
Last Reviewed: Monday, January 6, 2025
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