The California 4-H Policy Handbook currently includes the following policy:

814 Food Policy

Many 4-H units use food related activities for fundraisers, recognition events, project activities, or other programmatic functions. In planning these activities, careful attention must be given to nutrition, health, and food safety.

814.1 Guidelines

If food is to be served as part of an official 4-H activity, the food preparation and service must be in compliance with all local (city and county) health department rules and state law. In addition, it is imperative that all county based rules and regulations governing food service activities be observed, including securing appropriate permits.

If a 4-H unit is not in compliance with health regulations, the University will not endorse or assume liability for such functions, and adults become personally liable for their actions, should legal claims of negligence arise from the food service activity.

814.2 Prepackaged Foods

In use of prepackaged foods, the manufacturer assumes the legal responsibility for the product.