Definitions
HACCP
Acronym for Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point. A prevention-based food safety system that identifies and monitors specific food safety hazards that can adversely affect the safety of food products.
Food Facility
- Food facility means an operation that stores, prepares, packages, serves, vends, or otherwise provides food for human consumption at the retail level, including, but not limited to, the following: (1) an operation where food is consumed on or off the premises, regardless of whether there is a charge for the food, and (2) a place used in conjunction with the operations described in this subdivision, including, but not limited to, storage facilities for food-related utensils, equipment, and materials.
- Food facility includes permanent and nonpermanent food facilities, including, but not limited to, the following: (1) public and private school cafeterias, (2) restricted food service facilities, (3) licensed health care facilities, except as provided in paragraph 12 of subdivision (c) of the Health and Safety Code
, (4) commissaries, (5) mobile food facilities, (6) mobile support units, (7) temporary food facilities, and (8) vending machines.
Food Handler
An individual involved in the preparation, storage, or service of food in a food facility.
California Retail Food Code or CalCode
Alternate names commonly used to refer to parts of the California Health and Safety Code.
Compliance
The California Department of Education (CDE) monitors compliance with food safety during the administrative review (AR). ARs occur approximately every three years. The CDE provides technical assistance when the standards are not met. There will be an off-site assessment (OAT) and an on-site review. Please see the following AR guidance:
AR Off-site Assessment Tool (OAT) Guidance
Sponsors are required to fill out the OAT prior to the on-site review. To download the OAT guidance in the Child Nutrition Information and Payment System (CNIPS) 
, select School Nutrition Programs (SNP), select Applications, select Download Forms, and select Form ID SNP 58 AR.
AR Guidance Chart
Once the OAT is completed, the AR reviewer conducts an on-site review to validate the information submitted in the OAT and to observe the operation of programs in selected schools. Prior to the on-site AR, the state reviewer sends sponsors the AR Guidance Chart, so sponsors can prepare all required documents for the on-site AR. To download the guidance chart in the CNIPS, select SNP, select Applications, select Download Forms, and select Form ID SNP 42. For food safety information, refer to Page 19.
USDA AR Manual 2018–19
USDA FNS provides general guidance to state agencies on the areas of review. For complete transparency and to download the AR Manual in the CNIPS, select SNP, select Applications, select Download Forms, and select Form ID MANUAL AR. For food safety information, refer to pages 178–189.
For more information regarding ARs, visit the CDE SNPs web page.
Trainings
In-Person Workshops
To register for a food safety workshop, please use the Child Nutrition Information and Payment System (CNIPS) Training Registration web page. Instructions for registration can be found on the California Department of Education (CDE) CNIPS Training Registration web page. The Nutrition Services Division will continuously update this section as new trainings become available. Please note that due to COVID-19, in-person trainings have been temporarily put on hold.
For assistance with online registration or if you are unable to attend and need to cancel, please contact the CNIPS Help Desk on weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. by phone at 800-952-5609, Option 6, or by email at CNIPS@cde.ca.gov. If possible, please provide your registration confirmation number when canceling your registration.
Online Courses
Operations
| Course Number | Course Name | Training Topic | Target Audience |
|---|---|---|---|
Institute of Child Nutrition (ICN) (External Resource) | Food Safety | Food Service Director and Staff | |
ICN (External Resource) | Food Safety and HACCP Principles | Food Service Director and Staff | |
016 | SFSP Food Safety | Food Safety | Summer Meal Program Operators |
Additional Online Training Databases
To find additional online training databases, visit the:
- CDE CNPs Course Catalog web page for food safety trainings.
- USDA Videos: Food Safety Flashes web page for short training videos related to food safety practices.
- ICN Courses and Learning Plans eLearning Portal web page to search for school nutrition trainings; select the Categories tab and choose Food Safety.
Resources
General Resources
Best Practices
General Resources
| Resource | Description |
|---|---|
Provides information on food safety and security related to the federal Child Nutrition Programs and other federal assistance programs administered by the USDA. | |
Provides a directory to credible, accurate, and practical resources for consumers, nutrition and health professionals, educators, and government personnel. | |
This site is a gateway to federal food safety information. | |
Communicates science-based information on food safety and nutrition to health and nutrition professionals, educators, journalists, government officials, and others providing information to consumers. The International Food Information Council (IFIC) is supported primarily by the broad-based food, beverage, and agricultural industries with the purpose of bridging the gap between science and communications through partnerships to assist in translating research into understandable and useful information. | |
Fact sheets, training courses, posters, and workshops for all things food safety. | |
Local, state, tribal, and federal regulators use the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Food Code as a model to develop or update their own food safety rules and to be consistent with national food regulatory policy. | |
Provides information on retail food regulation and statutes. It also houses the California Retail Food Code (CalCode). The portion of the California Health and Safety Code known as the CalCode contains the structural, equipment, and operational requirements for all California retail food facilities. | |
Kansas State University Center for Food Safety in CNPs Advancing Food Safety in CNPs | The Kansas State University (KSU) Program provides food safety solutions to school nutrition directors and operators, scientists, policymakers, educators, and practitioners. Research areas are prioritized through the cooperative agreement with the USDA FNS Office of Food Safety. |
California Department of Food and Agriculture California Small Farm Food Safety Guidelines | The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) provides CNP Operators with guidance to comply with applicable local land use and zoning restrictions and use best practices to grow, harvest, and distribute the community foods they are producing. |
Best Practices
| Resource | Description |
|---|---|
Website for the National Coalition of Food Safe Schools which provides school food safety information and resources. A food-safe school action guide is also available at this website and contains tools to help schools build support for food-safe school programs, such as a how-to guide and video, motivational PowerPoint® presentation and administrator's briefing brochure, topical in-depth modules, and more! | |
This document serves as USDA guidance for the implementation of HACCP-based food safety programs in schools participating in the NSLP or the SBP. | |
California Department of Education Raw Sprouts Guidance | Guidance regarding the use of raw sprouts in the CNPs per the California Department of Health, Food and Drug Branch requirements. |
Research poster (PDF) from KSU that reports on how the internal temperature of milk is impacted by milk packaging and commonly used holding procedures in school nutrition settings. | |
Provides information on food product dating. |
Policy
The USDA issues policy memoranda related to food safety in the CNPs. When merited, the California Department of Education (CDE) will release a subsequent management bulletin (MB) to include state specific policy guidance and/or further explain or clarify the topic.
Calendar Year 2019
| Release Date | Issued by | Topic | Subject | Reference Number |
|---|---|---|---|---|
3/2019 | CDE | Food Safety | Food Safety Certification Requirements | SNP-05-2019 |
Calendar Year 2014
| Release Date | Issued by | Topic | Subject | Reference Number |
|---|---|---|---|---|
2/2014 | CDE | Food Safety | Mandatory Food Safety Inspections—Reminder | SNP-09-2014 |
Calendar Year 2013
| Release Date | Issued by | Topic | Subject | Reference Number |
|---|---|---|---|---|
4/2013 | USDA | Food Safety | SP 37-2013 |
Calendar Year 2005
| Release Date | Issued by | Topic | Subject | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|---|
9/2005 | CDE | Food Safety | General Information Sheet #15 |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Are food handlers in the CNPs subject to the California Food Handlers Card requirements?
Public schools, private schools, and residential facilities are exempt from the California Food Handlers Card requirements (with the exception of Riverside, San Bernardino and San Diego counties, which are subject to the local food handler programs).
Is the use of latex gloves prohibited in CNPs food service?
Yes, per California Health and Safety Code, sections 113961 and 113973, food facilities and retail food establishments are required to use nonlatex utensils, including nonlatex gloves.
Is there any regulation that prohibits storage of a food item in a school walk-in freezer, when it is not purchased by school food service and it is not for the use of school food service?
Yes, food items are required to be obtained from approved sources (California Health and Safety Code, sections 113945.1 and 113947).
Are nonfood service persons or staff permitted in the school food service or food facility area?
No, persons that are not necessary to the food facility operation are not permitted in the food preparation, food storage, or warewashing areas (California Health and Safety Code , sections 113945.1 and 113947).
Is the district required to pay for the Food Safety Certification training/certificate?
Since the Food Safety Certification is required by both the federal Food and Drug Administration Food Code and the California Health and Safety Code, it is an allowable cafeteria fund expense. That said, this would be a local level decision regarding the procurement of this requirement. Some districts require each site supervisor/manager to be food safety certified as part of their position requirement, and others provide this training and certification to their staff. Ultimately, it is up to the district to determine which option works best for their organization.
For a school that has multiple sites, can the Program Operator take the manager certification program exam, pass, and then train the staff at all sites?
No. Each site (food facility) is required to have at least one food safety certified facility owner or employee. The only exception to this requirement is if the Program Operator has obtained a variance from their local environmental health department (LEHD). This variance must be kept at each site (food facility) that the LEHD has granted the exception.
Contacts
- Mia Bertacchi, Child Nutrition Assistant, Northern School Nutrition Programs Unit (SNPU), 916-445-1261 or mbertacchi@cde.ca.gov
- Lori Porter, Child Nutrition Consultant, Southern SNPU, 916-322-1454 or at lporter@cde.ca.gov.
Subscribe to the School Nutrition Program Mailing List.
FAQs
What is the best food safety certification? ›
- OSHA Safety Certificate. ...
- Certified Food Manager (CFM) ...
- Certified Professional - Food Safety (CP-FS) ...
- Food Safety Manager Certification. ...
- ServSafe Food Protection Manager Certification. ...
- Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS) ...
- Flagger (Instructor)
To earn a California Food Handler Card, food handlers need to pass a food handler test with a minimum score of 70 percent. In San Diego, the food handler must earn 80 percent. The course and test may be online or via a classroom-style training.
How much is a food handlers card in California? ›$7.95 | California Food Handlers Card | eFoodHandlers®
The days of forgetting your lunch money are gone — at least in California. The state's department of education is implementing a Universal Meals Program for school children. Starting this school year, 2022-2023, all public school students can get free lunch and breakfast, according to the department's website.
How long does it take to get a food handlers card in California? ›The California food handler training course takes about 2.5 hours to complete.
The most appropriate course is Level 2 Food Safety and Hygiene for Catering which covers all the basic food hygiene topics, including the prevention of contamination, personal hygiene, cleaning and safe cooking methods.
Can I get my California food Handlers card online? ›Step 1: Complete the online food handler course on any device in English or Spanish - only 75 minutes! Step 2: Take the food handlers test online. Retake the test for free if you don't pass. Step 3: Print, download, or mail order your card immediately after completing the program.
A: You must complete an approved training course and pass a test with a score of 70 percent or higher to obtain your California Food Handler Card.
Can I get food handlers certificate online? ›To apply for the food handler certificate online at the Nairobi City Council office, the applicant should make the application through the NCCG ePayments Portal via this link: NCCG ePayments Portal.
A food handler card is valid for three years from the date of issuance. Food handlers must retake and pass the food handler card class every three years to maintain a valid California food handler card.
When must you change single use gloves? ›
Disposable gloves are one possible way to prevent bare hand contact with ready-to-eat foods. Another way is to use forks, tongs or spatulas. When do I have to replace or change gloves? Always change gloves if the gloves get ripped, torn, or contaminated.
...
Who is eligible for this program?
| Household Size* | Maximum Income Level (Per Year) |
|---|---|
| 1 | $25,142 |
| 2 | $33,874 |
| 3 | $42,606 |
| 4 | $51,338 |
The 2022-23 school year will be the first that California, along with Maine, Vermont and a few other states are promising to provide every child with free breakfast and lunch.
California will be the first state to implement free meals to all public school students in the 2022-2023 school year. With over 327,000 students in California public schools, the state will be using the Universal Meals program according to the California Department of Education.
What qualifications do you need to be a food safety officer? ›The Higher Certificate in Food Control is recognised as a suitable qualification in the Food Law Codes of Practice for officers employed to deliver food hygiene and food standards official controls. You will also need to demonstrate the application of the knowledge you have gained on the course in a workplace setting.
ISO 22000 sets out the requirements for a food safety management system and can be certified to it. It maps out what an organization needs to do to demonstrate its ability to control food safety hazards in order to ensure that food is safe.
What is food safety level 4? ›What is it? This qualification covers all of the necessary aspects of food hygiene and safety in depth, providing candidates with thorough knowledge. It concentrates on the need for programmes and procedures to be properly drawn up, introduced and monitored to ensure full compliance with the legislation.
Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP)