Our Compliance Methodology
The Tool Never Guesses
When compliance is at stake, CreateMeals only makes determinations backed by authoritative USDA sources. If we can't cite it, we surface the uncertainty.
Core Principles
CreateMeals is built on a simple foundation: accuracy over convenience. We'd rather tell you we're uncertain than give you a wrong answer that puts your program at risk.
Source-Backed Decisions
Every compliant determination includes citations to the Food Buying Guide, 7 CFR 226, or official FNS policy memos.
Surface Uncertainty
When sources conflict or documentation is missing, we tell you explicitly. No hedging, no hidden assumptions.
Audit Trail
Every decision you see can be traced back to its source. You can verify our logic against the same guidance we use.
Same Standards for All
Whether you're a small family day care home or a large sponsor, you get the same rigorous compliance logic.
“Professional-grade compliance tools shouldn't require enterprise budgets. Every program deserves access to accurate, transparent guidance.”
Data Trust Hierarchy
Our compliance engine treats data sources differently based on their authority. This hierarchy determines how we make decisions and when we require verification.
| Level | Source Type | Example | How We Use It |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 - Authoritative | USDA Official Guidance | Food Buying Guide, 7 CFR 226, FNS memos | Definitive crediting rules |
| 2 - Verified | Manufacturer Documentation | CN Labels, validated PFS | Accepted with documentation |
| 3 - User-Provided | Program-Specific Data | Recipes, custom items | Requires user verification |
| 4 - Calculated | Derived Values | Recipe yield calculations | Shown with methodology |
What Our Statuses Mean
When you see a compliance status in CreateMeals, here's exactly what it means:
Compliant
Clear USDA guidance applies, sufficient documentation exists, no conflicting interpretations, and we can cite the authoritative source. This is audit-ready.
Needs Verification
We cannot make a definitive determination. This could be due to missing documentation, ambiguous guidance, or state-specific requirements. We'll tell you exactly what needs to be verified.
Non-Compliant
This item does not meet USDA requirements based on clear guidance. We'll cite the specific requirement and tell you exactly how to fix it.
Our Authoritative Sources
CreateMeals references these official USDA sources for all compliance determinations:
When we cite a source, you can verify our interpretation against the original guidance. If you ever find a discrepancy, let us know — we want to get it right.
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Start using CreateMeals and see how transparent, source-backed compliance guidance can simplify your meal planning.
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