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

• Implementation of Quality Control Monitoring for CN Labeling Program

• Transfer of the CN Label Review Function from FNS to AMS

• Clarification of Batter/Breading Calculation

• Verification Services Provided by AMS and NMFS

• Advance Food Company

• AMS Plant Oversight Notice

• Declaration Statements

• Breaded Rework Clarification

SPECIAL GUIDANCE

• Verification Services SOP (8/12/09)

• CN Plant Monitoring Review Checklist (8/12/09)

• SOP for Submitting and Approving QC Programs for CN Labeled Products(5/28/09)

• Industry Guidelines for Preparation of Quality Control Program Revised (4/22/09)

• CN Quality Control Program Review Checklist

• New Determination Stamps Letter (8/8/07)

• Labeling for Meat and Poultry Products

• Labeling for Non-meat Products

• Labeling for Seafood Products

• CN Labeling for Juice Drinks and Juice Drink Products

• Non-Meat AMS In-Plant Inspection Option

• Non-Meat AMS Verification Inspection Option

• Inspection of 50-percent Juice Drinks and Juice Drink Products under the CN Labeling Program

• Points to Remember - For facilitating the CN Label Review Process

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

For information about the AMS QC Program Review Process contact:

U.S. Department of Agriculture
Agricultural Marketing Service
1400 Independence Ave., S.W.
Stop #0247, Room 0709

Washington, DC 20250-0247
(202) 720-9939

Last modified: 08/20/2009