What is a CN Label?

Understanding their purpose and application

• Describe the difference between CN labels and PFS
• Identify which types of food can have a CN label
• Read and understand a CN label

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To educate participants on how to use Child Nutrition (CN) Labels.

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To clarify the difference between Child Nutrition Labels and Product Formulation Statements (PFS)

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What is a CN Label?

Purpose:

Objectives:

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What is it?

• Gold standard for verifying the crediting of menu items
• Run by the Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)
• Voluntary Federal labeling program for the Child Nutrition Programs

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What is a CN Label?

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There is no Federal requirement that anyone make or purchase CN labeled products. Purchasing decisions are left to the local level. If a CN labeled product is desired, this must be clearly stated in the purchasing specifications.

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United States Department of Agriculture

What is a CN Label?

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How Does the Program Work?

• Requires an evaluation of products’ formulation by FNS
• Allows manufacturers to state meal pattern contribution on the label
• Program provides warranty against audit claims

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What is a CN Label?

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What Products are Eligible?

• Main dishes which contribute to the meat/meat alternate component of the meal pattern
• Beef patties
• Pizza
• Egg Rolls
• Breaded Fish
• Etc

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What is a CN Label?

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CN Label Contents

• CN logo, which is a distinct border
• The meal pattern contribution statement
• A six digit product identification number
• USDA/FNS authorization statement
• The month and year of approval

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What is a CN Label?

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Advantages

• Clearly identifies the contribution of a product towards the meal pattern requirements for schools
• Protects schools from exaggerated claims about a product
• Provides a warranty against audit claims

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What is a CN Label?

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Minconceptions

• CN labeled products are more nutritious
• CN labeled products cost more
• CN labeled products are safer to eat because they have less pathogens and allergens
• CN labeled foods are required for school food service

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What is a CN Label?

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Documenting CN Labeled Products

• Valid, acceptable documentation
• The original CN label from the product carton; or
• A photocopy of the CN label shown attached to the original product carton; or
• A photograph of the CN label shown attached to the original product carton

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What is a CN Label?

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Documenting Watermarked CN Label Requirements

• If the original CN label, or the valid photograph or photocopy of the original CN label is not available, you may provide the invoice containing the product name and:
• A hard copy of the CN label copied with a watermark displaying the product name and CN number; or
• An electronic copy of the CN label with a watermark displaying the product name and CN number

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What is a CN Label?

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What is a CN Label?

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What are Product Formulation Statements?

• Product Formulation Statements (PFS): meal pattern contribution statement provided by the manufacturer
• No CN Label logo
• Have not received USDA authorization/approval
• Can be used to plan menus and meet federal requirements, but do not provide warranty against audit claims

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What is a CN Label?

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Is this CN Labeled?

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What is a CN Label?

NO!

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Is this CN Labeled?

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What is a CN Label?

YES!

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Where can I find CN & SLE information on GFS items?

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What is a CN Label?

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Locating Documentation

• Gordon Experience > Resources > Great for Schools > K-12 Documentation

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What is a CN Label?

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Locating Documentation

• Gordon Ordering > Ingredient Statement

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What is a CN Label?

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Searching for CN Labeled Items

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What is a CN Label?

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Thank you.

If you have questions,

Please contact the Nutrition Resource Center at:

1.800.968.4426

nrc@gfs.com

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