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.
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.
Team Nutrition collaborates with industry and partner organizations to help child nutrition professionals provide students with tasty and nutritious meals that meet meal pattern requirements.
The USDA, child nutrition (CN) labeling program provides food manufacturers the option to include a standardized food crediting statement on their product label.
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).
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.
Program operators can use this checklist when evaluating a manufacturer’s Product Formulation Statement (PFS). A PFS is a signed certified document that provides a way for a manufacturer to demonstrate how a processed product contributes toward the meal pattern requirements in the child nutrition programs.
The watermark, is to be applied to all CN contribution statements not supported by product specific documentation and to CN product labels that are distributed without federally inspected and packaged product.