WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)
implemented new nutrition standards earlier this week that address school
snacks, CNN reports.
The USDA’s “Smart Snacks in School” standards are the first
nutritional overhaul of school snacks in more than 30 years.
The new rules take effect for the 2014-15 school year and
set limits for fat, salt and sugar for items sold in school vending machines
and snack bars.
They require foods to contain at least 50% whole grains or have
a fruit, vegetable, dairy or protein as the first ingredient. Foods that
contain at least 1Ž4 cup of fruit and/or vegetables will also be allowed.
The standards also address beverages. Sports drinks are
prohibited, while low-fat and fat-free milk, 100% juice and no-calorie flavored
waters are permitted. Potable water must be made available to children free of
charge wherever meals are served.
Schools as well as beverage companies must meet the new
standards by July 1, 2014.
"Nothing is more important than the health and
well-being of our children," USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack said in a
statement. "Parents and schools work hard to give our youngsters the
opportunity to grow up healthy and strong, and providing healthy options throughout
school cafeterias, vending machines, and snack bars will support their great
efforts."
The new rules are aimed at curbing childhood obesity, which
affects about one in six children and adolescents, according to the Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention.
Children will be allowed to bring any food from home.
Additionally, bake sales and birthday celebrations were not affected by the
USDA’s ruling.