Child Nutrition Labeling
Child Nutrition (CN) Labeling Program
The USDA, Child Nutrition (CN) Labeling Program provides food manufacturers the option to include a standardized food crediting statement on their product label. Labels must be authorized by USDA, FNS prior to use and manufacturers must have quality control procedures and inspection oversight that meet the FNS requirements. Products produced in accordance with the CN Labeling Program are generally purchased by foodservice providers for FNS meal programs.
General Background
- Who runs the Program?
- How does the Program work?
- What products can and cannot be CN labeled?
- Are manufacturers required to CN label products?
- Summary of CN Labeling Program
Authorized Manufacturers and Labels
- Monthly Report of Authorized CN Label Manufacturers
- Monthly Report of Authorized CN Labels
- FNS-Assigned and Equal-to-Federal Establishment Numbers
- National Marine Fisheries Service Establishment Numbers
- Food Safety and Inspection Service Establishment Numbers
Food Manufacturers/Industry
- Quality Control (QC) Requirements
- Monitoring QC Compliance
- Transition of CN Label Review Function from FNS to AMS
- CN Labeling Policies
- Program Manuals
- Helpful Links
- Tips for Submitting CN Labels
- CN Label Reviews
FNS Meal Programs
- What are the advantages of using CN labels
- Are CN labeled products more nutritious?
- Do CN labeled products cost more?
- How do I identify a CN label?
Who runs the Program?
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):
- Food Safety Inspection Service (FSIS)
- Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS)
- National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS)
How does the Program work?
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.
What products can and cannot be CN-labeled?
- 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.
- 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.
To carry CN labels, eligible products must
Be produced under Federal inspection by USDA or USDC, per the CN Labeling Memorandum of Understanding.
Have the contribution toward meal pattern requirements determined using yields in the USDA Food Buying Guide for Child Nutrition Programs.
Are manufacturers required to CN-label products?
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.
FNS Meal Programs
What are the advantages of using CN labels?
A CN label statement clearly identifies the contribution of a product toward the meal pattern requirements. It protects a school from exaggerated claims about a product.
A CN label provides a warranty against audit claims, if used according to the manufacturer's directions.
Are CN labeled products more nutritious than similar non-CN labeled products?
No. While a CN-labeled product is guaranteed to contain a certain quantity of food, it does not indicate that the quality of the food is any different than a non CN-labeled food. Neither does it mean the foods are safer to eat or free of pathogens or allergens.
Do CN labeled products cost more?
Costs should be similar. Cost comparison between two meat products should be based on the cost per ounce (or pound) that contributes to the meal pattern requirements, not on the product cost per ounce (or pound). Please refer to the Notice to the Trade: Fee for Child Nutrition Labeling Review and Approvals and the Memorandum of Understanding for information regarding program fees.
How do I identify a CN label?
In addition to required labeling features, a CN label will always contain the following:
The CN logo (which is a distinct border)
The meal pattern contribution statement
A 6-digit product identification number
USDA/FNS authorization statement
The month and year of approval.
For additional information about the CN Labeling Program contact:
http://www.fns.usda.gov/cnd/cnlabeling/FNSmealprograms.htm
Child Nutrition Labeling Program Operations Office
USDA, AMS, FV, PPB
Stop 0247, Room 0710-S
1400 Independence Ave., SW
Washington, DC 20250
E-mail: CNLabeling@ams.usda.gov
Phone: (202) 720-9939
Fax: (202) 690-3824
