Who runs the
Program?
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The CN Labeling Program is run by FNS
directly with commercial food processing firms and in cooperation
with the following Agencies in USDA or the U.S. Department of
Commerce (USDC): |
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Food Safety Inspection Service (FSIS) |
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Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) |
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National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) |
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How does the
Program work? |
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The Program requires an evaluation of a product's formulation by
FNS to determine its contribution toward meal patterns
requirements. It allows manufacturers to state this contribution
on their labels. The program provides a warranty against audit
claims for purchasers of CN labeled products. |
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What products
can and cannot be CN-labeled? |
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Main dish products which contribute to the meat/meat
alternate component of the meal pattern requirements. Examples
of these products include but are not limited to beef patties, cheese or meat pizzas,
meat or cheese and bean burritos, egg rolls, and breaded fish
portions. |
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Juice drink and juice drink products which contain at least 50 percent
full-strength juice by volume. This includes such products as
grape drink, fruit punch, and juice bars. |
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To carry CN labels, eligible products must |
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Be produced under Federal inspection by USDA or USDC, per the
CN Labeling Memorandum of
Understanding. |
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Have the contribution toward meal pattern requirements
determined using yields in the USDA
Food Buying Guide for Child Nutrition
Programs. |
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Are manufacturers required to
CN-label products? |
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There is no Federal requirement that anyone make or purchase CN
labeled products. Purchasing decisions are left to the local
level. If a CN labeled product is desired, this must be
clearly stated in purchasing specifications. |
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Summary of CN Labeling Program |
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Appendix C of the Food Buying Guide |
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