The following message contains important information about two commercial recalls that may affect schools. These recalls do not involve USDA Foods.
Schools that have access to local, fresh produce and who wish to take advantage of low prices during abundant supply and peak nutrition may want to consider vacuum sealing in-house processed and frozen fruits and vegetables.
A resource on preserving locally harvested produce in school meals includes information about facility and personnel considerations and product flow and handling.
Learn how to properly store produce in a walk-in refrigerator.
Little is known about the food safety risks associated with the various production methods by which schools prepare and serve food to students. Given this, the Center for Food Safety in Child Nutrition Programs at Kansas State University conducted a study.
Check out this database to access vendor-specific product information for all direct delivered USDA Foods for the National School Lunch Program.
Each Action Sheet addresses a specific area of food safety by providing you with background information, action steps that will help you build your framework, and resources for the in-depth information you will need to develop or strengthen that area.
This factsheet introduces concepts of Hazard Analysis Risk Based Preventative Control and Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point Plans.
This fact sheet outlines a number of additional resources for those seeking to directly purchase or raise food products for school nutrition programs.
"Food Safety Frequently Asked Questions: The Food Safety Modernization Act and its Impact on Farm to School Activities": This document includes common questions related to food safety when purchasing locally grown and raised food products directly from producers as well as food safety considerations for edible campus gardens.