THE STATE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT / THE UNIVERSITY OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK / ALBANY, NY 12234

Office for Elementary, Middle, Secondary and Continuing Education
School Operations and Management
Child Nutrition Program Administration
Room 55, Albany, New York 12234-0055
Tel (518) 474-3956 Fax (518) 473-0018
Web address: www.nysed.gov/cn/cnms.htm

                                                                                           

To:
School Food Service Directors/Managers
 
From:
 		 Frances O'Donnell
 
Date:
 		 November 2005
 
Subject: Environmentally Preferable Cleaning and Maintenance Products in Schools

   Beginning September 1, 2006, New York State districts/schools will be required to consider the use of less toxic cleaning and maintenance products in order to reduce exposure of children and school district staff to potentially harmful chemicals and substances.  The goal is to use "more green" or less toxic products in the school environment.  While school food service directors/managers are not now required to replace their inventory with new products, you should evaluate the toxic products, such as sanitizers, cleaning products and disinfectants you are currently using.  More information will be provided as we get closer to the implementation date.

    Questions on the law and its impact can be found at:

http://www.emsc.nysed.gov/facplan/HealthSafety/environmental_cleaning_supplies_101705.pdf