CN labels, factsheets, and product labels provide a way for food manufacturers to communicate with school program operators about how their products may contribute to the meal pattern requirements for meals served under the USDA CN programs. Included are tips for acceptable documentation.
On Dec. 1, 2014, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Food and Drug Administration published the final rule, Food Labeling; Calorie Labeling of Articles of Food in Vending Machines, in the Federal Register.
USDA does not approve a manufacturer’s PFS. Program operators are ultimately responsible for ensuring menu items meet meal pattern requirements; therefore, program operators should review and verify the crediting statement on a manufacturer’s PFS before purchasing the product.
Prior to production All CN labels must be approved in FINAL by AMS (& FSIS or NMFS if applicable).
The United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Marketing Service, Specialty Crops Program, Specialty Crops Inspection Division performs CN Label review services and charges a fee for each CN label reviewed.
Memorandum of Understanding between USDA FNS, AMS, FSIS, and USDC NMFS for the child nutrition labeling program.
All manufacturers participating in the CN labeling program are required to have an Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) or National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS)-approved QC program by Oct. 1, 2009.