This interim final rule, published in the Federal
Register on December 6, 2007, revises the WIC food packages. The
revisions align the WIC food packages with the 2005 Dietary Guidelines
for Americans and infant feeding practice guidelines of the American
Academy of Pediatrics. The interim final rule revisions largely reflect
recommendations made by the Institute of Medicine (IOM) of the National
Academies in its report, "WIC Food Packages: Time for a Change," with
certain cost containment and administrative modifications found
necessary by the Department to ensure cost neutrality. An interim final
rule allows FNS to obtain feedback on the major changes as recommended
by IOM while allowing implementation to move forward. State agencies
must implement the provisions no later than August 5, 2009*. The interim
final rule comment period ends on February 1, 2010, which is 180 days
after the implementation deadline. USDA will issue a final rule after
review and analysis of public comments.
* March 17, 2008 - The Federal Register published
a document which delays from August 5, 2009 until October 1, 2009 the
implementation date of the interim final rule entitled Special
Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC):
Revisions in the WIC Food Package, which was published in the Federal
Register on December 6, 2007, 72 FR 68966, and became effective on
February 4, 2008.