Child Nutrition Labeling
The USDA, Child Nutrition (CN) Labeling Program provides food
manufacturers the option to include a standardized food crediting
statement on their product label. Labels must be approved by USDA,
FNS prior to use and manufacturers must have quality control
procedures and inspection oversight that meet the FNS requirements.
Products produced in accordance with the CN Labeling Program are
generally purchased by foodservice providers for FNS meal programs.
WHO RUNS THE PROGRAM?
The CN Labeling Program is run by FNS in cooperation
with the following Agencies in USDA or the U.S. Department of
Commerce (USDC):
-
Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS)
-
Agriculture Marketing Service (AMS)
-
National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS)
The Program is operated by FNS directly with commercial food
processing firms.
HOW DOES THE PROGRAM WORK?
The program requires an evaluation of a product's formulation by FNS
to determine its contribution toward meal patterns
requirements. It allows manufacturers to state this
contribution on their labels. The program provides a warranty
against audit claims for purchasers of CN labeled
products.
WHAT PRODUCTS ARE ELIGIBLE
FOR CN LABELS?
- Main dish products which contribute to the meat/meat alternate component of the meal pattern requirements. Examples of
these products include beef patties, cheese or meat pizzas, meat
or cheese and bean burritos, egg rolls, and breaded fish portions.
- Juice and juice drink products which contain at least 50
percent full-strength juice by volume. This includes such
products as grape drink, fruit punch, and juice bars.
To carry CN labels, eligible products must:
- Be produced under Federal inspection by USDA, USDC, "Equal-to-Federal" State inspection, or Canadian
inspection.
- Have the contribution of meat/meat alternate products
determined using yields in the USDA FOOD BUYING GUIDE FOR CHILD NUTRITION PROGRAMS.
ARE MANUFACTURERS REQUIRED
TO CN LABEL PRODUCTS?
There is no Federal requirement that anyone make or purchase CN
labeled products. Purchasing decisions are left to the local
level. If a CN labeled product is desired, this must be
clearly stated in purchasing specifications.
WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF
USING CN LABEL?
- A CN label statement clearly identifies the contribution of a
product toward the meal pattern requirements. It protects
a school from exaggerated claims about a product.
- A CN label provides a warranty against audit claims, if used
according to the manufacturer's directions.
ARE CN LABELED PRODUCTS
MORE NUTRITIOUS THAN SIMILAR NON CN-LABELED PRODUCTS?
No. While a CN-labeled
product is guaranteed to contain a certain quantity of food, it does
not indicate that the quality of the food is any different than a
non CN-labeled food. Neither does it mean the foods are safer
to eat or free of pathogens or allergens.
DO CN LABELED PRODUCTS
COST MORE?
Costs should be similar. Cost comparison between two meat products
should be based on the cost per ounce or pound that contributes
to the meal pattern requirements, not the on the product cost
per ounce or pound.
HOW DO I IDENTIFY A CN
LABEL?
In addition to required labeling features, a CN label will always contain the following:
-
The CN logo which is a distinct border
-
The meal pattern contribution statement
-
A 6 digit product identification number
-
USDA/FNS authorization statement
-
The month and year of approval.
SAMPLE LABEL STATEMENT:
* The six digit CN
identification number is assigned by the FNS, CND Headquarters
office.
* * Note: this date is written using
numbers to reflect the month/year of final approval.
CN LABELING PROGRAM UPDATES
SPECIAL GUIDANCE
For additional information
about the CN Labeling Program contact:
U.S. Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service Child Nutrition Division, Room 632 3101 Park Center Drive Alexandria, VA 22302 (703) 305-2609
Last modified:
12/09/2008
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