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Resource | Policy Guidance for Accepting Processed Product Documentation for Meal Pattern Requirements

The purpose of this memorandum is to provide state agencies and program operators of the child nutrition programs, including the National School Lunch Program, School Breakfast Program, Child and Adult Care Food Program, and the Summer Food Service Program, with additional information and clarification on the state agency monitoring process regarding the: 1) Child nutrition label, 2) watermarked CN label, and 3) manufacturer’s Product Formulation Statement.

11/07/2024
Resource | Comment Request Comment Request - Child Nutrition Labeling Program

The CN Labeling Program is designed to aid schools and institutions participating in the National School Lunch, School Breakfast Program, CACFP and Summer Food Service program by determining the contribution a commercial product makes toward the meal pattern requirements of these programs.

01/29/2024
Resource | Training and Outreach Child Nutrition Labeling Manual

The Child Nutrition Labeling Manual provides food manufacturers with instructions on how to apply and obtain approval for a CN label. 

01/22/2024
Resource | Technical Assistance Child Nutrition Authorized Labels and Manufacturers

CN numbers that appear on the valid list apply to the CN logo and crediting statement only. It is the manufacturer's responsibility to ensure that the product label meets all other federal labeling requirements.

10/13/2023
Resource | FAQs/Q&As Questions and Answers on Alternate Protein Products

The term "Alternate Protein Product" is the name used by FNS to identify products meeting requirements set forth in Appendix A of the NSLP, SBP, SFSP, and the CACFP within the section entitled Alternate Protein Products.

10/04/2022
Resource | Policy Memos Questions and Answers Regarding Child Nutrition Program Oversight, Administration, and Reporting During COVID-19

This memorandum provides clarification on questions related to child nutrition program oversight, monitoring, and administration. 

04/29/2021
Basic page CN Labeling Program

The USDA, child nutrition (CN) labeling program provides food manufacturers the option to include a standardized food crediting statement on their product label.

02/12/2021
Resource | Training and Outreach CN Labeling and PFS Guidance for Food Manufacturers/Industry

CN labeling policies and procedures are provided here (QC requirements and compliance, reviews, program manuals, tips for submitting CN labels, and the manufacturer's product formulation statement).

11/18/2019
Resource | Policy Crediting Surimi Seafood in the Child Nutrition Programs

This memorandum provides guidance on crediting surimi seafood in the child nutrition programs, including the National School Lunch Program, School Breakfast Program, Child and Adult Care Food Program and Summer Food Service Program. Surimi seafood is a pasteurized, ready-to-eat, restructured seafood usually made from pollock (fish).

04/17/2019
Resource | Training and Outreach CN Label Approval - Completing FSIS Form 7234

How to complete FSIS Form 7234 when applying for CN label approval.

03/07/2019
Page updated: October 14, 2021