November 9, 2006 -- Rules for Milk Substitutes in School Food Programs

In a proposed rule published today, the federal Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) detailed nutritional standards for nondairy alternatives to fluid milk in federally subsidized school lunches, breakfasts, or after-school snacks. By law, schools are required to provide substitutes for fluid milk to children who are unable to drink milk because they have disabilities or special dietary needs, and a 2004 reauthorization of the National School Lunch Act called for guidelines “to make certain that students who consume nondairy beverage alternates receive important nutrients found in whole milk.” The proposed rule notes the nutrients in milk that must be present in any substitutes, including protein; vitamins A, D, and B-12; magnesium; phosphorus; potassium, and riboflavin. Schools can choose which alternatives to milk they want to offer but must be sure that the substitutes meet the nutritional standards. The proposed regulation is published in the Federal Register for November 9 and can be accessed online at http://origin.www.gpoaccess.gov/fr/.