(a) The registered home shall meet the following:

1. (1) All food shall be safe and stored properly to prevent spoiling;

2. (2)

   1. (A) There shall be a thermometer in the refrigerator that is visible and maintained at forty-one degrees Fahrenheit (41° F) or below.
   2. (B) Freezer thermometers shall be maintained at thirty-two degrees Fahrenheit (32° F) or below.
   3. (C) All freezers shall be inaccessible to children;
3. (3) Food shall not be stored under sinks;
4. (4) Food shall be stored in original container or in a closed container;
5. (5) Chemicals and toxins shall not be stored in food storage areas; and
6. (6) All medicines shall be stored separately from food at all times.

(b) All food and drink shall be prepared, distributed, and served under sanitary conditions and the following shall be met:

1. (1) Caregivers shall wash hands before preparing food;
2. (2) There shall be a sink with hot and cold running water;
3. (3) Individual drinking glasses or disposable cups shall be provided;
4. (4) All countertops and other food preparation surfaces shall be kept clear of clutter and in a sanitary condition;
5. (5) Food left uncovered or handled shall not be reused;
6. (6) When dishes are washed by hand, they shall be sanitized with a bleach solution; and

7. (7)

   1. (A) Drinking water and water used for the preparation of formula shall not come from the hot water supply.
   2. (B) Water from hot water systems may contain higher levels of lead and other substances that could be harmful to small children.

(e)

1. (1) Breakfast, if served, lunch, and evening meals shall each meet current United States Department of Agriculture guidelines, including portion size, see Appendix A.
2. (2) If sack lunches are utilized, the home shall ensure that these also meet United States Department of Agriculture guidelines by supplementing the lunches if necessary.
3. (3) Milk shall be served to each child during the day.
4. (4) Exceptions may be made for children who suffer allergies to milk.

(f)

1. (1) Breakfast shall be made available to children who arrive before 7:00 a.m.
2. (2) Breakfast may be served to all children rather than a morning snack, provided there are no more than three (3) hours between the beginning of breakfast and the beginning of lunch.

(g) Midmorning and midafternoon snacks shall:

1. (1) Be provided to all children; and
2. (2) Meet current United States Department of Agriculture guidelines.

(h)

1. (1) All children in care during hours shall be offered an evening snack.
2. (2) Children in care during evening hours shall be served supper and children spending the night shall be served breakfast (unless provided by parent or school).

(j)

1. (1) It is recommended that food brought in from outside sources:

   1. (A) Be in commercially prepackaged containers; or
   2. (B) Come from Department of Health-approved kitchens.
2. (2) This recommendation is based on concerns for the health and safety of children who may have severe food allergies, and the difficulty of monitoring ingredients brought in from home kitchens.