In USA, Nestle USA, Inc. and Mars, Inc. have joined top beverage companies, health groups and the National Parent Teacher Association to support legislation that would update nutrition standards for all foods sold in the nation’s schools.

Jointly signing a letter from the American Beverage Association (ABA), along with Coca-Cola Co. and PepsiCo. Inc., the confectionery companies are in favor of expanding the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) updating of standards for school meals and other foods available in schools.

Mars’ Hank Izzo, Ph.D, vice-president, research and development, says the company strongly supports giving children access to nutritious snacks at school.

“Mars supports a new national school nutrition standard that will make it easier for schools and food manufacturers to work together to ensure children make smart decisions about the foods they consume,” Izzo explains.

The letter claims the current national nutrition standards for foods sold outside of school meals are outdated and do not reflect the current marketplace nor updated nutrition science.

ABA president and CEO Susan Neely states: “The industry commends members of Congress for their steadfast commitment to updating school nutrition standards in a manner that is supported by science and grounded in common sense.”

Proposed legislation would give the USDA authority to set nutrition standards for all food sold on school grounds under a bill scheduled for a Senate Agriculture Committee vote next week.

Opponents, including the National School Boards Association, suggest Congress let local officials decide what can be sold on school property.

Source: Candy & Snack