The Child Nutrition and WIC Reauthorization Act of 2004 (Public Law 108-265), as amended in Section 9(h) of the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act, requires food safety changes for the National School Lunch or School Breakfast Programs. In the past, participating schools were required to obtain a minimum of one (1) food safety inspection per school year or comply with the frequency required by local standards.
NEW SCHOOL DISTRICT REQUIREMENTS:
1. KITCHEN INSPECTIONS:
Beginning July 1, 2005, each school must now obtain at least two (2) food safety inspections each school year. The inspections must be conducted by the state or local health department agency responsible for food safety inspections. State or local health units may still require more frequent inspections.
2. REQUIREMENT TO POST INSPECTIONS:
Schools must post, in a publicly visible location the most recent food safety inspection.
3. DOCUMENTATION FOR MONITORING:
Schools must provide a copy of the food safety inspection report for Coordinated Review Effort (CRE) Reviews, Technical Assistance Visits, and Legislative Audits as well as report to a member of the public upon request.
NEW STATE AGENCY REQUIREMENT:
Beginning with School Year 2005-2006, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) will require the State Agency to annually collect and submit to Food Nutrition Service the number of schools within Arkansas that meet this USDA requirement.