The USDA recently announced regulations placing limits on snack foods sold to children during the school day to promote healthy eating.
The Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010 requires the USDA establishing nutrition standards for all foods sold in schools, besides the federally supported school meal programs. The Smart Snacks in School proposed rule requires all foods sold in schools meet the following criteria:
“Be either a fruit, a vegetable, a dairy product, a protein food, a ‘whole-grain rich’ grain product (50 percent or more whole grains by weight or have whole grains as the first ingredient), or a combination food that contains at least a quarter cup of fruit or vegetable; or contain 10 percent of the daily value of a nutrient cited as a public health concern in the 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans (calcium, potassium, vitamin D, or fiber).”
The 160-page proposal sets limits for total fat, saturated fat, sodium, total sugar levels and calories in foods sold à la carte in school stores, snack bars or vending machines. Fruits and vegetables packed in juice or extra-light syrup and certain yogurts are exempt from the sugar limits in the proposal. It also sets new standards for beverages sold on campuses.
“Providing healthy options throughout school cafeterias, vending machines, and snack bars will complement the gains made with the new, healthy standards for school breakfast and lunch so the healthy choice is the easy choice for our kids,” Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said in a statement.