Food Safety

Public Schools, Non-Public Schools, and Residential Child Care Institutions participating in the school meals programs agree to maintain necessary facilities for storing, preparing, and serving food, and to comply with food safety standards required by applicable Nebraska 2022 Food Code and/or county and local laws and codes.  

A food safety program must be implemented based on Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) principles. 

At least one annual health inspections must be conducted by the state or local government agency responsible for such inspections. These inspections are requested on behalf of schools by the NDE. A most recent food safety inspection must be publicly posted and a copy of the inspection report available upon request.

Kitchen designs and specifications for equipment must be sent to your school’s local food safety inspection agency or to the Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy (NDEE.EnvSafety@Nebraska.gov) before construction begins on any new facility and again with any changed as they occur. 

Food Service Directors and Managers at each operating site must hold a Food Protection Manager Certification.

It’s highly recommended that Food Service Staff receive annual food safety training. 

Every year, all Food Service Directors must read, modify as needed, and sign off on Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) relevant to your foodservice operation, as well as include them in your written HACCP plan.  

Blank SOP Form