Association Urges Government to Step Up School Dairy Options
US - Sale of dairy products in school should be broadened, ideally marketed through vending machines, a la carte lines and school stores.
17 April 2013
1 minute read
This was the crux of comments from the International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA), filed last week as part of the USDA’s proposal discussion. The department aim to set nutrition standards for food and drink sold outside of reimbursable school meals as ‘competitive foods’.
The IDFA praised the government for encouraging dairy consumption: “Milk, yogurt, cheese, dairy snacks and frozen dairy desserts are all options that can be nutritious and tasty choices for kids,” the comments said. “We are pleased that the proposed rule intends to increase children’s consumption of dairy products.”
Particular agreement comes over low-fat and fat-free milk options as well as low-sugar yoghurts. The IDFA also commend the Department’s decision for reduced –fat cheese.
However, some concerns remain
- Method for defining sugar limits – IDFA say this should be based on sugar limit on weight of product rather than per cent of calories.
- Foritified nutrients should be considered as meeting the requirements of the nutrition standards
- Non-nutritive sweeteners should be allowed in all competitive food and drink
- Sodium limits – reduce over time rather like sodium reduction in place for reimbursable school meals
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