R430-50-16. Food and Nutrition

  (1) The provider shall ensure that each child age 2 years and older is offered a meal or snack at least once every 3 hours.

  (2) When food for children's meals and/or snacks is supplied by the provider:

  (a) the meal service shall meet local health department food service regulations;

  (b) the foods that are served shall meet the nutritional requirements of the USDA Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) whether or not the provider participates in the CACFP;

  (c) the provider shall use the CACFP menus, the standard Department-approved menus, or menus approved by a registered dietician. Dietitian approval shall be noted and dated on the menus, and shall be current within the past 5 years;

  (d) the current week's menu shall be posted for review by parents and the Department; and

  (e) providers who are not participating or in good standing with the CACFP shall keep a six-week record of foods served at each meal and snack.

  (3) The person who serves food to children shall:

  (a) be aware of the children in their assigned group who have food allergies or sensitivities, and

  (b) ensure that the children are not served the food or drink they are allergic or sensitive to.

  (4) Children's food shall be served on dishes, napkins, or sanitary highchair trays, except an individual finger food, such as a cracker, that may be placed directly in a child's hand. Food shall not be placed on a bare table.

  (5) Food and drink brought in by parents for their child's use shall be:

  (a) labeled with the child's name or individually identified,

  (b) refrigerated if needed, and

  (c) consumed only by that child.