The Agriculture Department is proposing new nutritional rules that would apply to most foods sold in schools. The rule would apply to "a la carte" lines in school cafeterias, vending machines, snack bars and any other food sold regularly on campus. It wouldn't apply to fundraisers, after-school concession stands, class parties or foods brought from home.
Most every food sold in school would be subject to fat, calorie, sugar and sodium limits. Snack foods would have to be under 200 calories and have some nutritional value. All drinks would be limited to 12 oz. portions in high schools and middle schools, and 8 oz. portions in elementary schools.
Some examples of what could be in and out under the rules, provided the items meet or don't meet all of the requirements:
WHAT'S IN
Baked potato chips
Granola bars
Cereal bars
Trail mix
Dried fruits
Fruit cups
Yogurt
Whole grain–rich muffins
100-percent juice drinks
Diet soda (high schools)
Flavored water (high schools)
Lower-calorie sports drinks (high schools)
Unsweetened or diet iced teas (high schools)
100-percent juice popsicles
Baked lower-fat french fries
Healthier pizzas with whole grain crust
Lean hamburgers with whole wheat buns
WHAT'S OUT
Candy
Snack cakes
Most cookies
Pretzels
High-calorie sodas
Many high-calorie sports drinks
Juice drinks that are not 100-percent juice
Most ice cream and ice cream treats
Greasy pizza and other fried, high-fat foods in the lunchroom
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