The Obama administration proposed regulations will prohibit U.S. schools from selling unhealthy snacks.
The 160-page regulation from the Department of Agriculture (USDA) would enact nutrition standards for "competitive" foods not included in the official school meal.
Beverages, other than milk, would be limited by calorie and caffeine standards. While regular soda would not be allowed, diet sodas would be permitted in high schools in 20 oz. containers. Zero calorie versions of sport drinks or fitness waters would also be allowed in high schools in 20 oz. portions, as would 12 oz. portions of sports drinks or other beverages with 40 calories per 8 oz. (Alternative D1) or 50 calories per 8 oz (Alternative D2)In evaluating the impacts of this proposed rule, the Department has also considered the impacts of these changes on the vendors that supply food items, including competitive food items, to schools for sale outside of the Federal school meal programs.
