USDA to propose school lunch standards.

The AP (2/1, Jalonick) reported that the USDA "for the first time is proposing broad new standards to make sure all foods sold in schools are more healthful, a change that would ban the sale of almost all candy, high-calorie sports drinks and greasy foods on campus." The new rules would require school vending machines to "start selling water, lower-calorie sports drinks, diet sodas and baked chips instead. Lunchrooms that now sell fatty 'a la carte' items like mozzarella sticks and nachos would have to switch to healthier pizzas, low-fat hamburgers, fruit cups and yogurt."

        USA Today (2/1, Hellmich, 1.71M) reported the USDA released "its proposed standards for 'competitive foods,' the name given to foods that are not part of the regular school meals." The proposed standards say that all competitive foods must "be either a fruit, a vegetable, a dairy product, a protein food, a whole-grain-rich grain product or a combination food that contains at least ¼ cup of fruit or vegetable." It must be no more than 200 calories per portion, and must also meet "requirements for sugar, fat and saturated fat. The meals must not contain any trans fat."

        The New York Times (2/2, A14, Nixon, Subscription Publication, 1.68M) added that the "rules are a major component of Michelle Obama's campaign to reduce the number of overweight children through exercise and better nutrition. A study by the National Academy of Sciences estimates that $2.3 billion worth of snack foods and beverages are sold annually in schools nationwide."

        Reuters (2/1, Heavey) reported Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said his agency will propose new Federal rules governing snacks sold in schools - originally due in late 2011 - by April, when a 60-day public comment period will start before final rules get issued, possibly for the next school year. The delay gave schools and industry time to adjust and revamp meals in early 2012, said Vilsack.

        Other media sources that reported on this story include the Washington Post (2/1, Hicks, 489K), Bloomberg News (2/1, Armour),CQ (2/1, Ferguson, Subscription Publication), and The Hill (2/1, Viebeck, 21K), Reuters (2/2, Heavey, Abbott).