USDA Proposal to Ban Chocolate Milk in Schools to Fight Obesity Sparks Debate
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The US Department of Agriculture is considering banning flavored milk, which includes chocolate, strawberry and other varieties, in elementary and secondary schools.
A new proposal from the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) could remove flavored milk from school cafeterias after receiving feedback on its proposal to revise school nutrition standards in the long term, which includes fewer added sugars in nutrition programs. breakfast and school lunch to “reduce the risk of chronic diseases in children”.
According to estimates from studies in this regard, childhood obesity in the United States has continued to grow in recent years, reaching a prevalence of 21% among those under 19 years of age.
For this reason, the USDA suggests limiting the amount of strawberry and chocolate milk in high schools and banning it entirely in elementary and secondary schools.
At press time, the USDA had received more than 92,000 comments on the proposal, with opinions coming from both sides of the debate.
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Some applauded the effort and expressed support for strengthening nutrition standards in schools, while others condemned the plan and said it should be left up to individual parents and families to make those dietary decisions.
Meanwhile, the dairy industry is trying to ensure that flavored milk remains widely available in schools, even as it means changes in sugars.
Recently a group of 37 school milk processors, representing more than 90 percent of US school milk volume, said they were committed to offering flavored milk options with no more than 10 grams of added sugars in each serving. 8 ounces, in line with the USDA's proposed new limits on added sugars in milk.