Minnesota Administrative Rules
Agency 196 - Human Services Department
Chapter 9502 - LICENSING OF DAY CARE FACILITIES
Part 9502.0445 - WATER, FOOD, AND NUTRITION

A. Water from privately owned wells, must be tested annually by a Minnesota Health Department certified laboratory for coliform bacteria and nitrate nitrogens to verify safety. The provider shall file a record of the test results with the agency. Retesting and corrective measures may be required by the agency if results exceed state drinking water standards or where the supply may be subject to off-site contamination.

B. Drinking water must be available to the children and offered at frequent intervals in separate or single service drinking cups or bottles.

A. Food served during the day must include servings from each of the basic food groups as defined by the United States Department of Agriculture's Code of Federal Regulations, title 7, section 226.20.

B. The provider shall follow written instructions obtained from the parents, at the time of enrollment, on each child's special diet or food needs. Parents shall be consulted about special food preferences.

C. Flexible feeding schedules must be provided for infants and toddlers, and the infant or toddler's usual diet and feeding schedule must be followed.

D. Food, lunches, and bottles brought from home must be labeled with the child's name and refrigerated when necessary. Bottles must be washed after use.

A. All food and cooking utensils must be stored to protect them from dust, vermin, pipe leakage, or other contamination.

B. Food requiring refrigeration must be maintained at no more than 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Food requiring heating must be maintained at no less than 150 degrees Fahrenheit until ready to serve. Frozen food must be maintained in a solid state until used.

C. Appliances used in food storage and preparation must be safe and clean.

D. No hermetically sealed (canned), nonacid or low-acid food which has been processed in a place other than a commercial food-processing establishment shall be served to children in care. Low-acid food includes meats, fish, and poultry and most vegetables and is required to be steam-pressure canned by the United States Department of Agriculture in Bulletin number 8, "Home Canning of Fruits and Vegetables," 1983 Edition. Fresh and frozen foods, properly canned tomatoes, pickled foods, and canned fruits such as apples, berries, peaches, apricots, jams, and jellies may be served to children in care. The USDA "Home Canning of Fruits and Vegetables," Home and Garden Bulletin number 8, 1983 Edition, is incorporated by reference. It is not subject to frequent change and is available through Minitex interlibrary loan system, or by writing the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington D.C., 20402.