FNS Documents & Resources

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Food and Drug Administration (FDA) published the final rule, Nutrition Labeling of Standard Menu Items in Restaurants and Similar Retail Food Establishments in the Federal Register (79 FR 71155) on Dec. 1, 2014.

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 process regarding the child nutrition label, watermarked CN label, and manufacturer’s product formulation statement.

The purpose of this memorandum is to clarify that a Child Nutrition (CN) Label copied with a marking referred to as a “watermark” is acceptable documentation for an Administrative Review.

Prior to production All CN labels must be approved in FINAL by AMS (& FSIS or NMFS if applicable).

The United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Marketing Service, Specialty Crops Program, Specialty Crops Inspection Division performs CN Label review services and charges a fee for each CN label reviewed. 

Memorandum of Understanding between USDA FNS, AMS, FSIS, and USDC NMFS for the child nutrition labeling program.

All manufacturers participating in the CN labeling program are required to have an Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) or National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS)-approved QC program by Oct. 1, 2009.