Practice Test Geeks(SNA) School Nutrition Association Certification Practice Test
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Special Dietary Needs & Accommodations Flashcards

7 cards from real SNA practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.

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  1. What document is required from a licensed healthcare professional to mandate meal accommodations for a student with a disability in a school nutrition program?

    Answer: Medical diet statement

    USDA regulations require a medical diet statement signed by a licensed healthcare professional to obligate schools to provide meal substitutions for students with disabilities.

  2. Which food allergen was most recently added to the FDA's list of major food allergens, making it the ninth recognized allergen?

    Answer: Sesame

    Sesame was designated the 9th major food allergen under the FASTER Act of 2021, with labeling requirements taking effect January 1, 2023.

  3. What is the key distinction between cross-contact and cross-contamination in a school food service setting?

    Answer: Cross-contamination involves biological hazards; cross-contact refers specifically to allergen transfer

    Cross-contamination refers to the spread of biological hazards such as bacteria or viruses, while cross-contact specifically describes the unintended transfer of an allergen from one food to another.

  4. A student has been diagnosed with celiac disease. Which protein must be completely excluded from their school meals?

    Answer: Gluten

    Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder triggered by gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye, which damages the lining of the small intestine.

  5. Under USDA regulations, when a student has a non-disabling food intolerance, what is the school nutrition program's obligation?

    Answer: May but is not required to make meal substitutions

    USDA mandates accommodations only for students with qualifying disabilities; substitutions for non-disabling intolerances are discretionary and may involve a charge.

  6. Which federal law primarily governs a school's obligation to provide meal accommodations for students with qualifying disabilities?

    Answer: Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act / ADA

    Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and the ADA require schools to make reasonable accommodations, including dietary modifications, for students with qualifying disabilities.

  7. When reviewing a student's medical diet statement, what should the school nutrition specialist verify first?

    Answer: Confirming the statement is signed by a licensed healthcare professional and contains all required information

    Before implementing any accommodation, the SNS must verify the medical diet statement is complete and authorized by a licensed healthcare professional to ensure USDA compliance.