The Child Nutrition (CN) label and a manufacturer’s Product Formulation Statement (PFS) are documents that provide a way for a manufacturer to demonstrate how a processed food product may contribute to the meal pattern requirements in child nutrition programs (CNP). Both a CN label and PFS are 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 when the product is used according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- A PFS is typically provided for processed products that do not have a CN label.
Below are links to additional guidance and technical assistance related to CN Labels and PFS.
CN Labeling Program
CN Label Verification Reports
Monthly updated reports listing valid CN label numbers and manufacturers that have met our quality control program requirements for the CN labeling program.
Product Formulation Statement
A PFS may be voluntarily provided by manufacturers at the request of program operators. A manufacturer’s PFS is not approved by USDA.
PFS Templates and Samples
- Meats/Meat Alternates (M/MA)
- Vegetables and Fruits
- Template for School Meals (vegetables with subgroups)
- Sample for School Meals (vegetables with subgroups)
- Template for CACFP and SFSP
- Grains
- Template for School Meals and CACFP (ounce equivalents)
- Sample for School Meals and CACFP (ounce equivalents)
- Template for SFSP (grains/breads servings)
- Sample for SFSP (grains/breads servings)
- Multiple Component Foods
- Sample with grains, M/MA (breakfast sandwich)
- Sample with M/MA, vegetable subgroups (beans, peas, lentils as vegetable) (chili)
- Sample with M/MA, vegetable subgroups (beans, peas, lentils as M/MA) (chili)
- Sample with M/MA, fruit (smoothie)