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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 | 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
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 | 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
Resource | Training and Outreach Points to Remember for Facilitating the CN Label Review Process

All manufacturers submitting CN label applications are responsible for providing complete and accurate information. AMS reserves the right to move an application into a pending status when corrections are required.

03/07/2019
Resource | Policy Update of Food Crediting in the Child Nutrition Programs

This memorandum informs stakeholders on the progress made by FNS in updating the food crediting system for all child nutrition programs. This is a first step towards improving the crediting system to best address today’s evolving food and nutrition environment and meet the needs of those operating and benefiting from the CNPs.

12/04/2018
Resource | Training and Outreach CN Labeling - Notice to the Trade

This is to notify current and future applicants seeking review and approval of CN labels by the United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Marketing Service that, effective Oct. 1, 2018, the hourly fee shall be $112.00 per hour for CN label review services.

08/15/2018
Resource | Technical Assistance Tips for Accepting Processed Product Documentation

Child nutrition 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 child nurition programs. Included are tips for acceptable documentation.

05/11/2016
Page updated: June 02, 2026