IDFA Voices Concern About Milk Restrictions in Schools

WASHINGTONThe International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) commended the USDA for highlighting the nutritional role that dairy products play in the final regulations governing the reimbursable school meal program released Jan. 25; however, it expressed concern that restrictions on flavored milk could reduce overall milk consumption in schools in favor of less healthy alternatives.

USDAs rule for reimbursable meals will put in place the provisions of the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act to improve the quality of all foods and beverages offered in schools and to align school menus with the most recent Dietary Guidelines for Americans. It requires schools to offer 8 ounces of fluid milk with each school lunch and breakfast, but only low-fat and fat-free plain milk and fat-free flavored milks are allowed.

The new rule includes yogurt and cheese as meat alternates for meals and identifies lower-fat and lower-sodium cheeses available to schools. It also allows for five-day averaging for calorie caps, saturated fat and sodium, so schools will retain flexibility for incorporating cheese, pizza and other foods containing dairy into weekly meal plans.

We applaud the strong support of dairy as a vital component of a healthy diet and appreciate the priority attention USDA has given to improving the foods and beverages served in our nation's schools," said Connie Tipton, IDFA president and CEO. "However, we are disappointed that USDA has placed limits on milk varieties ahead of constraints on competing beverages widely available today. Eliminating low-fat flavored milks, which kids like, and still allowing a wide variety a la carte beverages like juice beverages, sports drinks and soda at schools will reduce milk consumption."