Do I need to use the temperature recording charts that the Department of Agriculture Food Distribution Division (FDD) gave me?

Over the years, the Department of Agriculture Food Distribution Division (FDD) has provided "sample" copies of temperature charts that could be used by agencies that receive commodity foods. However, FDD does not require that these temperature charts be used to record temperatures in refrigerators and freezers where USDA commodities are stored. The only requirement is that temperatures be checked and recorded in all refrigerators and freezers that are used to store commodity foods, seven days per week and not that their form be used. Therefore, you are required to use the temperature charts that are in your School HACCP Plan.

If using a temperature alarm log or other electronic monitoring system with a battery back-up to monitor temperatures during vacations, weekends, and holidays, the data from the alarm or electronic monitoring log must be stapled to the daily temperature recording sheet as it is a part of your HACCP record. Remember, a battery back-up is required so they are still active during power outages. If the system does not have a battery back-up, it cannot be used as a means to monitor temperatures.