The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) is drafting proposed changes to the school meal pattern requirements to align with the latest Dietary Guidelines. A letter signed by 300 clinicians and scientists has been sent to the department’s secretary, Brooke L. Rollins, to urge the updates to remove processed meats from school menus.
The current school nutrition standards for meals include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, milk, and protein while limiting calories, sodium, and added sugar. Additional reductions are to follow in July 2027 based on the new national guidelines, which are heavy on protein, whole foods, and reducing highly processed foods, shares the School Nutrition Association (SNA).
The signatories emphasize that processed meat increases the risk of colorectal cancer and other types of cancer, making them…