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CN Labeling and PFS Guidance for Food Manufacturers/Industry

The Child Nutrition (CN) label provides a way for a manufacturer to demonstrate how a processed food product may contribute to the meal pattern requirements in 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

Quality Control (QC) Requirements

Monitoring QC Compliance

Helpful Links

CN Label Application and Review

Manufacturer's Product Formulation Statement (PFS)

*To gain full function of the templates, either right click on the web link and save the file on your computer or open the web link, save the file on your computer, and then reopen it. Please contact cnpntab@usda.gov for further assistance.

Page updated: June 06, 2024