USDA proposes limits on sugar and sodium added to school lunches

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack on Friday announced proposed changes to school feeding guidelines. This limits added sugars and lowers sodium limits.

“Many children are not getting the nutrition they need and diet-related illnesses are on the rise,” Vilsack said at a roundtable on Friday. It’s the healthiest meal of the day and has proven to be an important tool in ensuring our children get the nutrition they need for a brighter future.”

The U.S. Department of Agriculture sets nutritional standards for foods and beverages served in school feeding programs. The Food and Nutrition Service (FNS), a division of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, National school feeding programconforms to these guidelines.

The new standards proposed by the FNS, once implemented, would limit the addition of sugar to sugary products, allow flavored milk in certain circumstances, and gradually reduce the weekly sodium limit, mainly all Products that are grains are emphasized.

According to FNS, implementation The new standard will consist of a phased, multi-year approach that will begin later this year and end in the fall of 2029. The FDA said it will take into consideration industry partners, and children, who need time to develop and improve food products. palate to adjust.

“The USDA understands that thoughtful implementation of updates requires time and teamwork,” said USDA Assistant Secretary Stacy Dean in a statement. We make sure that we have enough time to plan and work with our nutrition partners at all schools.”

The proposal has been cited as part of the Biden administration. National Strategy on Hunger, Nutrition and Healthwas released last September.

last month, End of Pandemic Relief Program Providing free meals to all schoolchildren in America has created new financial hardships for families and schools already grappling with inflation.

FNS is taking public comment For 60 days of proposed changes starting February 7th.