What Sample Status Does
Marking an item as a sample is used while trying out a new product before its full details are confirmed. It is meant for situations where you have a product available to test but have not yet finalized the manufacturer, vendor, or ordering information.
Effect on Menus
Menus that include a sample item cannot be published. This prevents incomplete items from reaching school menus and the public menu families see.
Examples for using Sample Status
You are evaluating a new product from a manufacturer.
You have built a draft recipe around an item but have not finalized vendor or pricing information.
You want the item available in the Pantry for trials but not on published menus.
Setting and Clearing Sample Status
Open the item page and use the Sample status control on the main item details section to mark the item as a sample or to clear sample status.