Cherokee Nation
Good News! SUN Bucks is Available in Your Location
Find stores near you that accept SUN Bucks, or learn how to qualify and apply.
DATE: | March 11, 2015 | |
POLICY MEMO: | SP27 CACFP09 SFSP12-2015 | |
SUBJECT: | Administrative Review Process Regarding the Child Nutrition (CN) Label, Watermarked CN Label and Manufacturer’s Product Formulation Statement | |
TO: | Regional Directors Special Nutrition Programs All Regions | State Directors Child Nutrition Programs All States |
The purpose of this memorandum is to provide state agencies and child nutrition program operators, including the National School Lunch Program, School Breakfast Program, Child and Adult Care Food Program, and Summer Food Service Program, with additional information and clarification on the administrative review (AR) process regarding the: 1) Child Nutrition (CN) Label, 2) Watermarked CN Label, and 3) Manufacturer’s Product Formulation Statement (PFS).
The CN Label is the gold standard for verifying the crediting of menu items and provides a warranty against audit claims when the product is used according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Valid and acceptable documentation for the CN Label is:
During an AR, if the original CN Label, or the valid photograph or photocopy of the original CN Label is not available, program operators may provide the Bill of Lading (invoice) containing the product name and:
Reviewers must not request a PFS or additional crediting information when a valid CN Label or watermarked CN Label is provided by program operators. The PFS should only be requested when reviewing a processed product without a CN Label (see attached flowchart - Verifying Acceptable Documentation of CN Labels During an Administrative Review).
FNS is currently working with the Agricultural Marketing Service to develop a CN Label verification system. This system will assist State reviewers during the AR, to verify the status of a CN Label as well as the crediting information. The expected completion date for this verification system is Fall 2015. Once the CN Label verification system is fully operational, state reviewers are encouraged to use this system to verify crediting information and the validity of the CN number on a CN Label.
Regional offices are to ensure all state personnel are aware of the process for verifying acceptable documentation and proper procedures for handling products with a valid CN Label. State agencies should distribute this memorandum to program operators as soon as possible. State agencies may direct any questions concerning this memorandum to the appropriate FNS regional office.
Cheryl Jackson Lewis Director Nutrition Promotion and Technical Assistance Division | Sarah Smith-Holmes Director Program Monitoring and Operational Support Division |
The contents of this guidance document do not have the force and effect of law and are not meant to bind the public in any way. This document is intended only to provide clarity to the public regarding existing requirements under the law or agency policies.