USDA reduces sodium limit for school lunches by 10%

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has lowered the weekly sodium limit for school lunches by 10%, according to a press release.

The change will take effect in the 2023 to 2024 school year.

Other changes made to the school nutrition standards include allowing flavored low-fat milk to be served to students aged 6 years or older and mandating that at least 80% of the grains served in school breakfasts and lunches are rich in whole grain.

“These transitional standards are step one of a longer-term strategy to lean into the school meal programs as a crucial part of improving child health,” Tom Vilsack, JD, the secretary of agriculture, said in a press release.

Long-term standards are expected to be enforced during the 2024 to 2025 school year, according to the release.

In October 2021, the FDA issued voluntary guidelines intended to lower excess sodium intake from packaged, processed and prepared foods, Healio previously reported.

According to the FDA, Americans consume 50% more sodium than what is recommended, and more than 95% of children aged 2 to 13 years exceed their daily recommended limits of sodium.

“[The USDA’s] action, coupled with the FDA’s recent guidance, may further encourage industry to lower sodium levels in products found in schools, at home and beyond,” Janet Woodcock, MD, acting commissioner of food and drugs at the FDA, and Susan T. Mayne, PhD, director of the Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, said in a joint statement. “These two initiatives ... act in concert to improve dietary patterns and reduce average sodium intake. They are anticipated to meaningfully improve the health and well-being of the nation — specifically our children, one of our most vulnerable populations.”

References:

FDA sodium reduction efforts underscored in USDA’s transitional nutrition standards for school meals. https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-sodium-reduction-efforts-underscored-usdas-transitional-nutrition-standards-school-meals. Published Feb. 4, 2022. Accessed Feb. 4, 2022.

USDA helps schools build back better, issues transitional nutrition standards for coming school years. https://www.usda.gov/media/press-releases/2022/02/04/usda-helps-schools-build-back-better-issues-transitional-nutrition. Published Feb. 4, 2022. Accessed Feb. 4, 2022.