The child nutrition (CN) label provides a way for manufacturers to demonstrate how a food product may contribute to the meal pattern requirements in USDA child nutrition programs. A CN label is voluntarily provided by manufacturers at the request of program operators. A CN label is approved by USDA and provides a warranty of a product’s meal pattern contribution.
Note: As of July 1, 2024, “beans, peas, and lentils” is the term used to describe the vegetable subgroup formerly known as “legumes.” Manufacturers may continue to use the term “legumes vegetables” on approved CN labels. At the time of application renewal or resubmission, manufacturers must update the term to “beans, peas, and lentils.”
Program Manual
CN Labeling Policies and Procedures
- Notice to the Trade: CN Label to Include the Declaration of All Creditable Grains
- Buy American Provision
- Transitioning to Whole Grain-rich Foods and Including Standardized Claims for Vegetable Subgroups
- Breaded Rework Clarification
- Copying Federally Inspected Product Labels for Bidding Process – CN Policy
- Guidance for Accepting Processed Product Documentation for Meal Pattern Requirements
- Tips for Accepting Processed Product Documentation
Quality Control (QC) Requirements
- QC Notices
- Guidelines for Preparing QC Programs
- SOP for Submitting and Approving QC Programs for CN Labeled Products
- USDA/USDC Checklist for Approving QC Plans
Monitoring QC Compliance
Helpful Links
- CN Labeling Program FAQ's
- Alternate Protein Products
- Meal Requirements for NSLP
- Food Buying Guide for Child Nutrition Programs
CN Label Application and Review
- Points to Remember - For facilitating the CN label review process
- How to Complete the 7234 Form
- Tax ID form
- Service Agreement