C.M.R. 10, 148, ch. 1, 148-1-IV, subsec. 148-1-IV-E

Current through 2025-02, January 8, 2025

Subsection 148-1-IV-E - CHILD NUTRITION (CN) LABELED FOOD ITEMS

1. PURPOSE:

To Identify requirements as they pertain to the use of Child Nutrition (CN) Labeled food items.

The Child Nutrition (CN) Labeling Program is a voluntary technical assistance program administered by the Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) in conjunction with the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (U.S.D.A.) and National Marine Fisheries Service of the U.S. Department of Commerce for the Child Nutrition Program. This program essentially involves the review of a manufacturer's recipe or product formulation to determine the contribution a serving of a commercially prepared product makes toward meal pattern requirements and a review of the CN Label statement to ensure its accuracy.

Products eligible for CN labels are:

1. Commercially prepared food products that contribute significantly to the meat/meat alternate component of meal pattern requirements and are served in the main dish; and

2. Juice drinks and juice drink products that contain a minimum of 50 percent full strength juice by volume. (Not applicable in Maine C.A.C.F.P.)

The following definitions apply:

1. "CN Label": means a food product label that contains a CN statement and CN logo.

2. "CN Logo": means a distinct border (as shown below) which is used around the edges of a "CN Label Statement."

3. The "CN Label Statement" includes the following:

a A 6 digit FNS assigned product identification number located in the upper right hand corner;

b A statement of the product's contribution toward meal pattern requirements for the child nutrition programs. This identifies the contribution of a specific portion of a meat/meat alternate product toward the meat/meat alternate, bread/bread alternate, and or vegetable/fruit component of the meal pattern requirements. It also identifies the contribution that juice drinks and juice drink products make toward the vegetable/fruit component of the meal pattern requirements;

c A statement that use of the CN logo and the CN statement was authorized by FNS; and

d The approval date.

An example of a CN label statement is as follows:

000000
This 3.00 oz. serving of raw beef patty provides, when cooked,, 2.00 oz. equivalent meat/meat alternate for Child Nutrition Meal Pattern Requirements (Use of this logo and statement authorized by the Food and Nutrition Service,
U.S.D.A.
02-92.)

The CN label appears on many items received through the USDA Donated Commodities Program and is now appearing on products being acquired through wholesale food distributors. CN labels do not seem to be appearing on items readily available in grocery stores.

Because of the assurances relating to a food item's contribution to the various food components, certain items which are listed as non-reimbursable (no-count) in Section IV. , Subsection D of this manual, with the exception of juices or juice drinks which are less than 100% juice may be considered reimbursable if the item is received as a CN labeled product and clear evidence is maintained on file to show the contribution being made by the food item In question. The only acceptable evidence shall be the CN logo and label statement from the product. If a product is not CN labeled or if the CN label statement and logo are not maintained on file then all regulations relating to non-reimbursable food items listed in Section IV,, Subsection D, remain in effect.

C.M.R. 10, 148, ch. 1, 148-1-IV, subsec. 148-1-IV-E