Appendix C to Part 210 -- Child Nutrition Labeling Program

Appendix C to Part 210—Child Nutrition Labeling Program
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1. The Child Nutrition (CN) Labeling Program is a voluntary technical assistance program administered by
the Food and Nutrition Service in conjunction with the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), and
Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and National Marine Fisheries
Service of the U.S. Department of Commerce (USDC) for the Child Nutrition Programs. 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. CN labeled products must be produced in
accordance with all requirements set forth in this rule.
2. Products eligible for CN labels are as follows:
(a) Commercially prepared food products that contribute significantly to the meat/meat alternate component
of meal pattern requirements of 7 CFR 210.10, 225.20, and 226.20 and are served in the main dish.
(b) Juice drinks and juice drink products that contain a minimum of 50 percent full-strength juice by volume.
3. For the purpose of this appendix the following definitions apply:
(a) “CN label” is a food product label that contains a CN label statement and CN logo as defined in
paragraph 3 (b) and (c) below.
(b) The “CN logo” (as shown below) is a distinct border which is used around the edges of a “CN label
statement” as defined in paragraph 3(c).

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(c) The “CN label statement” includes the following:
(1) The product identification number (assigned by FNS),
(2) The statement of the product's contribution toward meal pattern requirements of 7 CFR 210.10, §220.8
or §220.8a, whichever is applicable, §§225.20, and 226.20. The statement shall identify 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. For juice drinks and juice drink products
the statement shall identify their contribution toward the vegetable/fruit component of the meal pattern
requirements,
(3) Statement specifying that the use of the CN logo and CN statement was authorized by FNS, and
(4) The approval date.
For example:

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(d) Federal inspection means inspection of food products by FSIS, AMS or USDC.
4. Food processors or manufacturers may use the CN label statement and CN logo as defined in paragraph
3 (b) and (c) under the following terms and conditions:
(a) The CN label must be reviewed and approved at the national level by FNS and appropriate USDA or
USDC Federal agency responsible for the inspection of the product.
(b) The CN labeled product must be produced under Federal inspection by USDA or USDC. The Federal
inspection must be performed in accordance with an approved partial or total quality control program or
standards established by the appropriate Federal inspection service.
(c) The CN label statement must be printed as an integral part of the product label along with the product
name, ingredient listing, the inspection shield or mark for the appropriate inspection program, the
establishment number where appropriate, and the manufacturer's or distributor's name and address. The
inspection marking for CN labeled non-meat, non-poultry, and non-seafood products with the exception of
juice drinks and juice drink products is established as follows:

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(d) Yields for determining the product's contribution toward meal pattern requirements must be calculated
using the Food Buying Guide for Child Nutrition Programs (Program AID Number 1331).
5. In the event a company uses the CN logo and CN label statement inappropriately, the company will be
directed to discontinue the use of the logo and statement and the matter will be referred to the appropriate
agency for action to be taken against the company.
6. Products that bear a CN label statement as set forth in paragraph 3(c) carry a warranty. This means that if
a food service authority participating in the Child Nutrition Programs purchases a CN labeled product and
uses it in accordance with the manufacturer's directions, the school or institution will not have an audit claim
filed against it for the CN labeled product for noncompliance with the meal pattern requirements of 7 CFR
210.10, §220.8 or §220.8a, whichever is applicable, §§225.20, and 226.20. If a State or Federal auditor finds
that a product that is CN labeled does not actually meet the meal pattern requirements claimed on the label,
the auditor will report this finding to FNS. FNS will prepare a report of the findings and send it to the
appropriate divisions of FSIS and AMS of the USDA, National Marine Fisheries Services of the USDC, Food
and Drug Administration, or the Department of Justice for action against the company. Any or all of the
following courses of action may be taken:
(a) The company's CN label may be revoked for a specific period of time;
(b) The appropriate agency may pursue a misbranding or mislabeling action against the company producing
the product;
(c) The company's name will be circulated to regional FNS offices;

(d) FNS will require the food service program involved to notify the State agency of the labeling violation.
7. FNS is authorized to issue operational policies, procedures, and instructions for the CN Labeling
Program. To apply for a CN label and to obtain additional information on CN label application procedures
write to: CN Labels, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, Nutrition and Technical
Services Division, 3101 Park Center Drive, Alexandria, Virginia 22302.
[51 FR 34874, Sept. 30, 1986, as amended at 53 FR 29164, Aug. 2, 1988; 60 FR 31216, June 13, 1995; 65
FR 26912, May 9, 2000]