HACCP Guidance Issued for Schools

FM Staff

The USDA Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) has issued guidance on implementing HACCP requirements in K-12 schools.

The new requirements, established in section 11 of the Child Nutrition and WIC Reauthorization Act of 2004, were scheduled to take effect July 1, 2005. However, their implementationhas been on hold at most districts while they waited for guidelines to be released. A new FNS publication, Guidance for School Food Authorities: Developing a School Food Safety Program based on the Process Approach to HACCP Principles is now being sent to all school foodservice authorities.

The reauthorization bill amended food safety requirements for schools participating in the National School Lunch Program and/or School Breakfast Program and will affect food safety inspections and food safety programs at all schools that participate in the USDA program.

The guidance provides stepby-step instructions for developing a food safety program based on HACCP principles. It includes a sample plan and suggested record-keeping forms.