New rules aim to get rid of junk foods in schools

Saturday February 2, 2013 3:15 AM

By MARY CLARE JALONICK

The Associated Press

WASHINGTON (AP) — Almost all candy, high-calorie drinks and greasy meals could soon be on a food blacklist in the nation's schools.

For the first time, the government is proposing broad new standards to make sure all foods sold in schools are more healthful.

Under new rules that the Agriculture Department proposed Friday, fatty chips, snack cakes, nachos and mozzarella sticks would be out when it comes to lunch lines and vending machines.

What sorts of foods are "in"? Baked chips, trail mix, diet sodas, lower-calorie sports drinks and low-fat hamburgers.

The new rules, required under a child nutrition law passed by Congress in 2010, are part of the government's effort to combat childhood obesity.

The Agriculture Department would set fat, calorie, sugar and sodium limits on almost all foods sold in schools.

©2013 by The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
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