USDA Beverage Substitution Rule « Back
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The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food and Nutrition Service issued new regulations on beverages that can be substituted, under limited circumstances, for milk in the National School Meal Programs for children who are unable to consume cow's milk because of special medical or special dietary needs.
The new substitute beverage rule does not change the requirement to offer milk with school meals.
- Milk will still be offered with all school meals because of its unique nutrient package and importance to children's health.
- Substitutions for milk will occur only in cases of special medical or dietary needs.
This rule does not change the milk requirement in the National School Lunch and Breakfast Programs, which currently allows for a variety of fat contents, plain or flavored milk and lactose-reduced or lactose-free milk. The 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans states that milk alternatives within the milk food group, such as lactose-free milk and yogurt, are the most reliable and easiest way for those who are lactose-intolerant to derive the health benefits associated with milk and milk products. For sources of lactose-free milk, contact your local milk supplier.
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Fluid Milk Substitution Fact Sheet
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) issued new regulations on beverages that can be substituted, under limited circumstances, for milk in the National School Meal Programs for children who are unable to consume cow’s milk because of medical or special dietary needs.
USDA Beverage Substitution Ruling
This final rule implements a legislative provision on milk substitutes that is consistent with current regulations on menu exceptions for students with disabilities and adds requirements for the optional substitution of nondairy beverage for fluid milk for children with medical or special dietary needs in the National School Lunch Program and the School Breakfast Program.
USDA Beverage Substitution Q&A Memo
Schools in the National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program have the option to offer a nondairy milk substitute to a student with a medical or special dietary need other than a disability. These Questions and Answers clarify various issues concerning the substitution of fluid milk in non-disability cases.
Substitution Beverages Changes
The 2004 renewal of child nutrition statutes (P.L. 108-265) codified existing regulations on substitute beverages, with only relatively minor changes. It’s important to understand what the new law does and does not say about substitutes such as soy beverages.