20. Food Preparation Area

Question 1

Food Preparation Area

A child care program is not required to prepare food to serve to children in their care; however, if they decide to serve food they must have a food preparation area.

Answer 1

~ a food preparation area is a designated room, such as a kitchen, that is not typically accessible to children in daily operations for indoor usable space
~ the food preparation area shall be clean and free of dust, dirt, food particles, and grease deposits
~ any individual working in the food preparation area must wear a proper head covering, such as a hat or hairnet
~ disposable gloves, utensils, or similar items must be used to prevent contact with ready-to-eat foods
~ for the safety of children, they must not be present in the food preparation area when meals and snacks are prepared, unless being supervised or participating in a cooking activity

Question 2

Food preparation areas must include:

Answer 2

• Ventilation
• Smooth, nonabsorbent food contact surfaces with no unsealed cracks or seams
• Maintained food equipment stored in a sanitary manner out of the reach of children
• Shielded lighting
• Nonabsorbent and easily cleaned walls, floors, and floor coverings
• Easily cleaned and replaceable ceilings
• A labeled, separate handwashing station with hot running water, at least 100°F, that includes a sink, drainage, soap, trash can, and disposable towels or properly installed hand-drying machines
• Leak-proof, nonabsorbent containers covered with tight-fitting lids for all food waste, which must be stored inside the program and emptied, cleaned, and sanitized or disinfected daily