IDFA Asks Processors to Submit Comments to USDA on School Milk Substitutes
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is accepting comments through January 8 on its proposed rule that would establish nutrition standards for milk substitutes in schools and change how those substitutes can be requested. IDFA believes the proposed rule, in addition to previously proposed changes to the supplemental program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC), could substantially decrease the amount of milk consumed by participants in federal nutrition programs, putting them at risk for increased nutritional deficiencies.IDFA will submit comments on behalf of members, but comments from individual processors are also needed to support the continued strong role of milk in the National School Lunch Program and the School Breakfast Program. IDFA encourages member companies to submit their own comments by the January 8 deadline to cndproposal@fns.usda.gov with the subject line "Fluid Milk Substitutions."
To help members craft their comments, IDFA has developed a template that highlights major points to mention in comments to USDA. To download the template, click here. For more information, contact Michelle Matto, assistant director of regulatory affairs, at mmatto@idfa.org or 202-737-4332.
Posted December 18, 2006