CN Labeling

1

CN Labeling• Voluntary Federal labeling program

for Child Nutrition Programs• Who runs the Program?

oUSDA’s Food and Nutrition Service in cooperation with• Food Safety Inspection Service (FSIS) • Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) • National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS)

CN Labeling• Eligible Products

oMain dish products contributing to meat/meat alternate component • beef patties• cheese or meat pizzas• meat or cheese and bean burritos• breaded fish portions

CN Labeling• Label claims will now support the

Final Rule and Meal Patterns for NSLP and SBPo Labels will identify whole grain-rich

items in crediting statement (WGR Grains)

o Products that include vegetable subgroups will identify those subgroups on the CN label

CN Labeling

HOW DO I IDENTIFY A CN LABEL?

• A CN label will always contain the following:o The CN logo ( which is a distinct border)

CN label will always contain the following (cont’d)

• The meal pattern contribution statement:

o Each 4.5 Chicken Stir-Fry Bowl provides 1.5 oz. equivalent meat, 1.o serving of WGR Grains, ¼ cup dark green vegetable, ¼ cup red/orange vegetable, and 1/8 cup other vegetable for Child Nutrition Meal Pattern Requirements.

CN label will always contain the following (cont’d)

• A 6-digit product identification number:

099135Where is this identification number usually found:

(Upper right hand corner)

CN label will always contain the following (cont’d)

• The month and year of approval

QUESTIONS• If ever in doubt as to the current

status of a CN label – go to the following website:owww.fns.usda.gov/cnd/cnlabeling/author

ized.htmo Then click on the following• USDA/USDC Authorized CN Labels (4/5/2012)

WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF

USING CN LABELS• Clearly identifies the contribution of

a product toward the meal pattern• Protects a school from exaggerated

claims about a product

DO CN LABELED PRODUCTS COST MORE?• Cost 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).

CN Label REVIEW• CN LABEL IS BASED ON 4

COMPONENTS OF THE LABEL:o Product name is clearly visible -- • typically at the top of the label in very large

letterso There is an ingredient statement which

lists ingredients in order of predominance

o There is a CN Logo.

CN Label Review (cont.)

• A 6-digit identification number in the right upper cornero (A CN number consisting of all zeros or

all x’s should definitely be a red flag.The date should occur in the past, as it

reflects the original approval dateThe inspection legend should be visible.

CN Label Review (cont)

• IMPORTANT:o IF ONE OF THESE COMPONENTS IS

MISSING – THIS IS NOT A VALID CN LABEL

CN Label Activity• Based on the CN label used in this

presentation – what is the meal pattern contribution of the following:

4.5 oz. Chicken Stir-Fry Bowl__________ WGR______________Dark Green Vegetable___________Red/Orange Vegetable___________Other Vegetable________________

CAUTION• If the information in the above

exercise is not included on the label: WHICH IS KNOWN AS THE CN CREDITING STATEMENT

• IT IS NOT A TRUE CN LABEL

• Must have documentation before serving

• NO DOCUMENTATION

DO NOT USE IT!!!!