2026 Minnesota Statutes

142I.20 FOOD AND NUTRITION.

Subdivision 1.Feeding.

(a) Bottles of frozen breast milk or formula must be thawed under warm running water, in a container of warm water, with a warming device, or in a refrigerator. Thawed milk must be used, sent home, or disposed of the same day it is thawed.

(b) Caregivers must not warm plastic bottles, sippy cups, or other plastic food containers in a microwave.

(c) Once bottle feeding is complete, any unused portion must be disposed of or stored inaccessible to children in care. Bottles provided by or stored at the family child care program must be washed prior to the next use.

(d) Caregivers must not serve food to infants or toddlers using polystyrene foam (Styrofoam) cups, bowls, or plates.

Subd. 2.Milk.

Cow's milk served to children in care must be pasteurized. Milk alternatives that are nutritionally equivalent to cow's milk can be served in place of milk for children who require it.

Subd. 3.Drinking water.

Drinking water from a safe source according to section 142I.16 must be readily available and offered to the children throughout the day in indoor and outdoor areas.

Subd. 4.Meals and snacks.

(a) Well-balanced meals and snacks must be supplied by the license holder or parents daily. Every meal and snack served to children in care must meet the following requirements:

(1) breakfast must contain at least three of the following:

(i) pasteurized milk or milk alternatives;

(ii) vegetables;

(iii) fruit; or

(iv) grains;

(2) lunch and dinner must contain at least four of the following:

(i) pasteurized milk or milk alternatives;

(ii) meat or meat alternatives;

(iii) vegetables;

(iv) fruit; or

(v) grains; and

(3) snacks must contain at least two of the following:

(i) pasteurized milk or milk alternatives;

(ii) meat or meat alternatives;

(iii) vegetables;

(iv) fruit; or

(v) grains.

(b) Food, liquids, and bottles brought from home must be labeled with the first and last name of each child.

(c) Flexible feeding schedules must be provided for infants.

(d) When special diets are required for cultural, religious, or medical reasons, the provider must obtain written, dated, and signed instructions from the child's parent.

Subd. 5.Food and liquid safety.

(a) Food and liquids must be handled and stored properly to prevent contamination and spoilage. Foods and liquids requiring refrigeration must be refrigerated and maintained at no more than 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Food requiring heating must be maintained at no less than 140 degrees Fahrenheit until ready to serve. Frozen foods must be kept frozen until use and cooked according to the manufacturer's instructions.

(b) Appliances used in food and liquid storage and preparation must be safe and clean.

(c) All canned food provided by the license holder must be commercially processed. Locally grown fresh and frozen fruits and vegetables may be served at the family child care program. Food canned or preserved at home and home-butchered meats, poultry, and fish may not be served to children in care.

History:

2026 c 127 art 13 s 21

NOTE: This chapter, as added by Laws 2026, chapter 127, article 13, sections 1 to 23, is effective July 1, 2027. Laws 2026, chapter 127, article 13, section 26.