Healthy Food and Drink in Public Schools Procedures

Guidance

Refer to What’s on the Menu for information on canteen/food service menu choices.

Colour coding menu choices ‘green’ or ‘amber’ can help students and parents make informed selections.
 

The Star Choice™ Buyers’ Guide is a useful reference.  It is a register of manufactured products that meet the nutrient criteria.  Products in the Guide have been colour coded ‘green’ and ‘amber’ for easy reference.
 

Where food and drinks not included in the Star Choice™ Buyers’ Guide meet the nutrient criteria, they may also be used.
 

The Western Australian School Canteen Association (WASCA) is available to conduct assessments of products and recipes to confirm they meet the nutrient criteria and provide advice on where to source healthier foods and healthier food ideas.
 

Schools catering for students with special learning and/or dietary needs should promote the consumption of ‘green’ and ‘amber’ food and drinks as part of students’ modified learning programs.

Guidance

WASCA has been contracted to deliver ‘traffic light’ training on the ‘traffic light’ system of green, amber and red food and drinks and the requirements of the Healthy Food and Drink Policy and Procedures.

WASCA is also available to conduct networking groups for canteen workers, free workshops for students and parents on healthy lunchbox choices, assistance on canteen management issues such as making food preparation more simple and attracting and working with volunteers.
 

A higher standard of training would include an accredited chef or cooking qualification, including but not limited to the TAFE Canteen Management Course.

The Western Australian Council of State School Organisations (WACSSO) can be contacted for information and advice on operating a successful canteen.

Guidance

Training should be completed in a timely manner, preferably prior to commencing work.

FoodSafe Food Handler packages are available from Environmental Health Australia and some local councils.  Many local councils also provide free online food safety training that is consistent with FoodSafe.
 

The Food Act 2008 (WA) and the Food Regulations 2009 (WA) require that:

• all food services apply for registration with the local council as a food business (a fee may be applicable);
• schools notify the local council prior to conducting a charitable or community event involving food (ie a cake stall or sausage sizzle); and
• food prepared for sale is only made in approved premises, for example a food business approved by the appropriate enforcement agency.  Food prepared in a home that has not been approved as a food business must not be sold in a canteen.
   

The Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code requires that:

• food handlers’ personal hygiene practices and cleanliness minimise the risk of food contamination.  Risks can be minimised by the wearing of hats, hairnets and aprons provided by the canteen/food service; and
• the preparation, cooking, transportation and serving of food is done in such a way as to retain nutrients and minimise bacterial contamination.

Young children accompanying paid workers, or volunteers and enrolled students working in a canteen, could constitute a hazard.  The Occupational Health and Safety Act (1984) requires all practicable measures are taken to minimise exposure to hazards in a workplace. 

WACSSO advises against students undertaking tasks in the canteen for insurance reasons.  However, there are exceptions where the work is part of the educational program for the student/s (section 24; section 29 or section 11G School Education Act 1999).