Oklahoma City Public Schools leaders are highlighting rigorous food safety measures, including vendor checks and staff training, to protect students amid a recent cyclosporiasis outbreak.
Food Safety Plan
Shonia Hall, executive director of school nutrition services for OKCPS, said the district has a rigorous food safety plan in place to ensure every meal served is safe, nutritious, and closely monitored.
The district has already contacted its produce vendors and USDA representatives to confirm that the food coming into schools is not connected to any current recalls.
The district also grows its own lettuce using hydroponic towers and local Oklahoma farms to ensure a steady supply of fresh produce.
Precautions and Training
Food safety procedures extend beyond produce. Hall said cafeteria staff follow strict handling protocols daily, including wearing gloves and practicing proper handwashing.
If certain leafy greens become unavailable, Hall said nutrition staff has been preparing alternative recipes that meet federal nutrition requirements.
If another food recall occurs after school starts, Hall said the district has procedures in place to quickly locate affected products before they are served.
Original reporting: Oklahoma City News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
