Complete Guide to CACFP Compliance Reviews
CACFP compliance reviews are standard monitoring visits from your state agency. Understanding what happens during these reviews and how to prepare removes stress and builds confidence.
What Is a CACFP Compliance Review?
The Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) requires periodic monitoring to ensure participating centers meet federal nutrition standards. In Texas, the Department of Aging and Disability Services (DAHS) conducts these reviews.
During a review, monitors examine:
- Active menus and meal pattern compliance
- Production records and portion documentation
- Ingredient labels and Product Formulation Statements (PFS)
- Whole-grain tracking and documentation
- Special diet accommodations and medical statements
- Prior audit findings (if applicable)
Timeline & Notice
Most states provide 2–4 weeks' notice before a review. Some centers may receive unannounced visits. Either way, your documentation should always be audit-ready.
Common Findings & How to Avoid Them
Meal Pattern Violations: Menus don't match USDA CACFP guidelines for adult day care. Solution: Have menus reviewed by someone familiar with current USDA standards.
Production Record Gaps: Missing quantities, dates, or ingredient information. Solution: Keep scaled sheets alongside your menus.
Whole-Grain Documentation: Not tracking which products are whole-grain or certified. Solution: Label and log systematically.
Missing PFS or CN Labels: No documentation that multi-ingredient products meet CACFP standards. Solution: Collect and file all product paperwork upfront.
Preparation Checklist
- Review your menus against current CACFP meal pattern guidelines
- Ensure all production records show correct portion sizes
- Compile ingredient labels and PFS for all multi-ingredient products
- Organize whole-grain documentation
- Have copies of any accommodations for special diets
- If prior findings exist, document corrective actions taken
After the Review
Monitors will provide written findings. No findings is the goal—but if your center receives findings, you'll have a timeline (typically 30–60 days) to provide a corrective action plan and evidence of compliance.
Ready for your review? A Compliance Review service can identify gaps before the state walks in.