99-29546. National School Lunch Program, School Breakfast Program and Child and Adult Care Food Program: Amendments to the Infant Meal Pattern  

  • [Federal Register Volume 64, Number 219 (Monday, November 15, 1999)]
    [Rules and Regulations]
    [Pages 61770-61776]
    From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
    [FR Doc No: 99-29546]
    
    
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    DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
    
    Food and Nutrition Service
    
    7 CFR Parts 210, 220 and 226
    
    [RIN 0584-AB81]
    
    
    National School Lunch Program, School Breakfast Program and Child 
    and Adult Care Food Program: Amendments to the Infant Meal Pattern
    
    AGENCY: Food and Nutrition Service, USDA.
    
    ACTION: Interim rule with request for comments.
    
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    SUMMARY: This rule amends the regulations for the National School Lunch 
    Program, School Breakfast Program and Child and Adult Care Food Program 
    to eliminate the option of serving whole cow's milk as part of 
    reimbursable meals for infants under one year of age. Instead, schools 
    and institutions are required to serve either breast milk or iron-
    fortified formula with all reimbursable meals served to those infants. 
    This rule responds to scientific data demonstrating that infants who 
    consume cow's milk during their first year receive an inappropriate 
    level of nutrients and experience more nutrition-related health 
    problems than children who are fed breast milk or iron-fortified 
    formula. This rule also amends the definition of ``infant formula'' 
    currently in the Child and Adult Care Food Program regulations to 
    conform to the definition of ``infant formula'' for the National School 
    Lunch and School Breakfast Programs, because the latter definition more 
    accurately describes the role of formula in infants' diet. This rule 
    further makes technical amendments to the regulations and charts 
    outlining the Infant Meal Patterns to clarify the role of breast milk 
    in these programs. Finally, this regulation authorizes reimbursement 
    for meals containing only breast milk. These amendments support 
    America's breastfeeding promotion campaign and the Healthy People 2000 
    goal of increasing the incidence and duration of breastfeeding to at 
    least 75 percent in the early postpartum period and 50 percent at 5 to 
    6 months and beyond, by increasing the incentive for day care providers 
    to encourage breast feeding and will result in children receiving 
    improved nutrition benefits during their first year of life.
    
    DATES: This rule is effective December 15, 1999. To be assured of 
    consideration, comments must be postmarked on or before May 15, 2000.
    
    ADDRESSES: Comments should be addressed to Mr. Robert M. Eadie, Chief, 
    Policy and Program Development Branch, Child Nutrition Division, Food 
    and Nutrition Service, USDA, 3101 Park Center Drive, Alexandria, 
    Virginia 22302 or via the Internet at [email protected] All 
    written submissions will be available for public inspection in Room 
    1007, 3101 Park Center Drive, Alexandria, Virginia during regular 
    business hours (8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.), Monday through Friday.
    
    FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Robert Eadie at the above address 
    or by telephone at (703) 305-2620.
    
    SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
    
    Executive Order 12866
    
        This rule has been determined to be significant under Executive 
    Order 12866 and was reviewed by the Office of Management and Budget.
    
    Public Law 104-4
    
        Title II of the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 (UMRA), Public 
    Law 104-4, establishes requirements for Federal agencies to assess the 
    effects of their regulatory actions on State, local and tribal 
    governments and the private sector. Under section 202 of the UMRA, the 
    Food and Nutrition Service generally prepares a written statement 
    including a cost-benefit analysis, for proposed and final rules with 
    ``Federal mandates'' that may result in expenditures to State, local or 
    tribal governments in the aggregate, or to the private sector, of $100 
    million or more in any one year. When such a statement is needed for a 
    rule, section 205 of the UMRA generally requires the Food and Nutrition 
    Service to identify and consider a reasonable number of regulatory 
    alternatives and adopt the least costly, more cost-effective or least 
    burdensome alternative that achieves the objectives of the rule.
        This interim rule contains no Federal mandates (under regulatory 
    provisions of Title II of the UMRA) for State, local and tribal 
    governments or the private sector of $100 million or more in any one 
    year. Thus, this interim rule is not subject to the requirements of 
    sections 202 and 205 of the UMRA. However, a Regulatory Cost/Benefit 
    Assessment is provided in the Appendix to this preamble.
    
    Regulatory Flexibility Act
    
        This rule has been reviewed with regard to the requirements of the 
    Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601-612). The Under Secretary for 
    Food, Nutrition and Consumer Services has certified that this rule will 
    not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small 
    entities because the number of infants who would be affected 
    constitutes a tiny portion of the total participation in these 
    programs. The principal effect of this rule will be to enhance the 
    nutritional benefit of meals served to infants under these programs.
    
    Executive Order 12372
    
        The National School Lunch Program, School Breakfast Program and 
    Child and Adult Care Food Program are listed in the Catalog of Federal 
    Domestic Assistance under Nos. 10.555, 10.553 and 10.558 respectively, 
    and are subject to the provisions of Executive Order 12372, which 
    requires intergovernmental consultation with State and local officials 
    (7 CFR Part 3015, Subpart V, and final rule-related notice published in 
    48 FR 29114, June 24, 1983).
    
    Paperwork Reduction Act
    
        This rule contains no new information collection requirements. In 
    accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3507), 
    the reporting and recordkeeping requirements included in this rule have 
    been previously approved by the Office of Management and Budget under 
    clearances 0584-0006, 0584-0012 and 0584-0055.
    
    Executive Order 12988
    
        This rule has been reviewed under Executive Order 12988, Civil 
    Justice Reform. This rule is intended to have preemptive effect with 
    respect to any State or local laws, regulations or policies which 
    conflict with its provisions or which would otherwise impede its full 
    implementation. This rule is not intended to have retroactive effect 
    unless so specified in the EFFECTIVE DATE section of this preamble. 
    Prior to any judicial challenge to the provisions of this rule or the 
    application of its provisions, all applicable administrative procedures 
    must be exhausted.
        In the National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program, 
    the
    
    [[Page 61771]]
    
    administrative procedures are set forth under the following 
    regulations: (1) School food authority appeals of State agency findings 
    as a result of an administrative review must follow State agency 
    hearing procedures as established pursuant to 7 CFR 210.18(q); (2) 
    school food authority appeals of Food and Nutrition Service findings as 
    a result of an administrative review must follow agency hearing 
    procedures as established pursuant to 7 CFR 210.30(d)(3); and (3) State 
    agency appeals of State Administrative Expense fund sanctions under 7 
    CFR 235.11(b) must follow the administrative review process as 
    established pursuant to 7 CFR 235.11(f).
        In the Child and Adult Care Food Program, the administrative 
    procedures are set forth under the following regulations: (1) 
    Institutions must follow administrative appeal procedures as 
    established pursuant to 7 CFR 226.6(k); and (2) State agency or 
    institution appeals of procurement matters must follow administrative 
    appeal procedures to the extent required by 7 CFR 226.22 and 7 CFR 
    3015.
    
    Public Participation
    
        In accordance with the requirements of 5 U.S.C. 553, the Under 
    Secretary for Food, Nutrition and Consumer Services has determined that 
    good cause exists for not requiring notice and comment before making 
    this rule effective. Scientific evidence has demonstrated that infants 
    should not be served whole cow's milk before their first birthday, 
    because it does not provide the appropriate level of nutrients needed 
    by very young children and can be detrimental to their health and 
    development. Because of the importance of maintaining high standards of 
    nutrition in the school meal programs and the Child and Adult Care Food 
    Program, prior notice and comment would be contrary to the public 
    interest. As specified above, the Department will consider comments 
    submitted in response to this rulemaking and will address those 
    comments in future rulemakings.
    
    Background
    
        Sections (9)(a)(1)(A) and 17(g)(1)(A) of the National School Lunch 
    Act (42 U.S.C. 1758 and 1766) and Section 4(e)(1)(A) of the Child 
    Nutrition Act of 1966 (42 U.S.C. 1773) require meals claimed for 
    reimbursement under the National School Lunch Program (NSLP), the Child 
    and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) and the School Breakfast Program 
    (SBP) to meet nutrition requirements established by the Secretary of 
    Agriculture. Additionally, Section 9(a)(2)(A) of the National School 
    Lunch Act requires that lunches served under the NSLP offer fluid milk 
    as a component.
        These statutory mandates have been implemented by 7 CFR 210.10 and 
    210.10a for the NSLP, 7 CFR 220.8 and 220.8a for the SBP and 7 CFR 
    226.20 for the CACFP, all of which include specific meal component and 
    quantity requirements for children under one year of age. The principal 
    component for meals served to these children is either breast milk 
    provided by the infant's mother (which could include breast milk 
    produced by a wet nurse) or iron-fortified infant formula. In addition, 
    while the Department recommends that either breast milk or iron-
    fortified formula be served for the entire first year of the child's 
    life, schools and institutions currently have the option of serving 
    whole cow's milk to children beginning at eight months of age as long 
    as the infants consume at least one-third of their calories from a 
    balanced mixture of cereal, fruits, vegetables and other foods to 
    ensure that the child receives adequate levels of iron and vitamin C.
        The Department originally authorized serving whole cow's milk to 
    older infants because of a 1983 policy statement by the American 
    Academy of Pediatrics which indicated that, at that time, there was no 
    convincing evidence from studies demonstrating that cow's milk is 
    harmful for children older than six months provided they consume 
    adequate supplementary foods. Subsequent studies have shown, however, 
    that consumption of whole cow's milk can be detrimental to the health 
    of infants between six months and one year of age as well as younger 
    infants.
        Most seriously, consumption of whole cow's milk can lead to iron 
    deficiency. High levels of calcium and phosphorus and the low level of 
    vitamin C in whole cow's milk may inhibit an infant's ability to absorb 
    iron from other foods, including iron-fortified infant cereals. 
    Moreover, whole cow's milk has been shown to cause microscopic bleeding 
    and nutritionally significant blood loss from an infant's 
    gastrointestinal tract during the second six months of life, thereby 
    promoting the development of iron deficiency anemia. Studies suggest 
    that iron deficiency in infancy and early childhood may lead to long-
    term changes in behavior that may not be reversed later even by taking 
    iron supplements which correct the iron deficiency anemia. In contrast 
    to these disadvantages associated with whole cow's milk during the 
    first year of life, infants who are fed breast milk or iron-fortified 
    formula for the entire first year of life generally maintain normal 
    iron status.
        In addition to inadequate iron intake, infants who are fed whole 
    cow's milk receive low levels of linolenic acid (an essential fatty 
    acid) and vitamin E. On the other hand, they receive excessive levels 
    of sodium, potassium, chloride and protein, which can place stress on 
    an infant's kidneys and could be dangerous for infants suffering from 
    medical conditions associated with dehydration (e.g., diarrhea, 
    vomiting and fever). When whole cow's milk is fed to infants, their 
    nutrient intakes are not optimal, and their nutritional status may be 
    altered, with the most dramatic effect on iron status.
        Based on these more recent findings, the American Academy of 
    Pediatrics issued a policy statement in 1992 which concluded that whole 
    cow's milk should not be fed to infants at all during the first year of 
    life. In response to this statement, the Department is amending 7 CFR 
    210.10(m), 210.10(n), 210.10a(h), 210.10a(j), 220.8(i), 220.8a(b) and 
    226.20(b) to eliminate cow's milk as an option for meals served to 
    infants under one year of age and to require, instead, that all 
    reimbursable infant meals include either breast milk or iron-fortified 
    formula.
    
    Reimbursement for Breast Milk Meals
    
        This interim rule also amends the Infant Meal Pattern regulations 
    to emphasize the desirability of feeding breast milk to all infants 
    under one year of age and to encourage breast milk feeding by 
    authorizing reimbursement for meals containing only breast milk. 
    Because of the substantial nutritional benefits of breast milk, the 
    regulations for the NSLP, SBP and CACFP permit breast milk or iron-
    fortified formula for all infant meals served under these programs (7 
    CFR 210.10(m)(2), 210.10a(h), 220.8(i), 220.8a(b) and 226.20(b), 
    respectively). Under the current regulations, however, when breast milk 
    is the only component in an infant's meal, that meal may not be claimed 
    for reimbursement under the school meal programs or the CACFP. This 
    provision reflects the overall requirement that meals are not eligible 
    for reimbursement when all items are provided by the child's family 
    and, as a result, the provider has incurred no expense in obtaining the 
    food.
        However, the Department is concerned that this restriction on 
    reimbursement does not reflect the Department's deep commitment to 
    encouraging consumption of breast milk by infants. ``Healthy People 
    2000, National Health Promotion and Disease
    
    [[Page 61772]]
    
    Prevention Objectives'' issued by the U.S. Department of Health and 
    Human Services in goal 2.11 on nutrition and goal 14.9 on maternal and 
    infant health recommend that America should increase the incidence and 
    duration of breastfeeding to at least 75 percent in the early 
    postpartum period and 50 percent at 5 to 6 months and beyond. Also, the 
    Food and Nutrition Service strategic plan includes breast feeding 
    promotion as part of Objectives 3.2 and 3.3; and Goal 3.2.1 of the Food 
    and Nutrition Service Annual Performance Plan provides specific annual 
    targets for increasing breastfeeding in support of America's overall 
    objectives.
        In other programs, notably the Special Supplemental Nutrition 
    Program for Women, Infants and Children, the Department has been 
    actively promoting breastfeeding, and restricting its use under the 
    NSLP, SBP and CACFP creates an inconsistency that tends to undermine 
    this position. Therefore, the Department is amending the program 
    regulations to permit reimbursement for meals served to infants younger 
    than 8 months that contain only breast milk and no other items. The 
    Department emphasizes that this provision applies only to meals in 
    which breast milk is the only required item and is being adopted in 
    recognition of the special contribution breast milk makes to the 
    health, well-being and development of the child. This provision does 
    not apply to those situations in which infant formula is the only 
    required item and is provided by the parent. Moreover, meals served to 
    infants 8 months of age and older, which require at least one item in 
    addition to breast milk, continue to be ineligible for reimbursement 
    unless the provider also furnishes at least one item.
    
    Minimum Quantity of Breast Milk
    
        The current Program regulations require providers to serve minimum 
    portions of meal components, including breast milk, in order for the 
    meal to be reimbursed. The Department is aware, however, that some 
    infants consume, on average, less than the minimum serving of breast 
    milk established for their age group. Consequently, if the full portion 
    of breast milk is offered to an infant who does not consume that much, 
    some of the breast milk may be wasted. Since breast milk is provided in 
    very limited quantities, the Department is anxious to conserve as much 
    as possible of this resource. Therefore, in this interim rule, the 
    Department is permitting providers to serve less than the minimum 
    regulatory serving of breast milk to infants who regularly do not 
    consume that amount of breast milk. However, if the full portion is not 
    initially offered, the provider must offer additional breast milk if 
    the infant is still hungry.
        The Department emphasizes that this provision is being adopted 
    solely in recognition of the reduced needs of some infants and the 
    desire to avoid wasting already limited quantities of breast milk. 
    Therefore, under no circumstances could providers offer less than the 
    stipulated minimum serving of infant formula or other components of the 
    meal pattern.
    
    Technical Clarifications Regarding Service of Breast Milk
    
        The Department is also incorporating a number of technical 
    amendments to clarify certain issues with regard to breast milk. First, 
    while the regulations for the NSLP, SBP and CACFP permit breast milk to 
    be substituted for iron-fortified formula (7 CFR 210.10(m)(2), 
    210.10a(h), 220.8(i), 220.8a(b) and 226.20(b), respectively), there is 
    no specific mention of breast milk in the regulatory text that outlines 
    the infant meal patterns for these programs. Therefore, to ensure that 
    there is no confusion on this point, the Department is amending the 
    appropriate regulatory texts outlining the infant meal patterns to 
    include breast milk as a specific option along with iron-fortified 
    formula.
        Moreover, this rule adds footnotes to the chart in 7 CFR 
    226.20(b)(4) to clarify that breast milk may be substituted for infant 
    formula for all meals served to infants and that providers may serve 
    less than the minimum portion of breast milk to infants. This rule also 
    adds identical charts to 7 CFR 210.10(m), 210.10a(h), 220.8(i) and 
    220.8a(b).
    
    Definition of Infant Formula
    
        The Department is also taking this opportunity to make a technical 
    amendment to the CACFP regulations to conform the definition of 
    ``infant formula'' in that program to the definition in the regulations 
    for the NSLP and SBP. Currently, infant formula is described in 7 CFR 
    226.2 as being ``intended for dietary use as a sole source of food.* * 
    *'' The regulations for the NSLP and SBP, however, define infant 
    formula as ``intended for dietary use solely as a food * * *.''
        The language in the CACFP's definition has been interpreted by some 
    to mean that infant formula is the only allowed food source. The 
    definition in the school program regulations avoids this confusion by 
    specifying that infant formula is to be used only as a source of food 
    for infants and not as the only source. In the interests of 
    clarification, therefore, this rule proposes to amend the CACFP 
    regulations to conform the definition of ``infant formula'' in that 
    program to the definition in the NSLP and SBP regulations. The 
    Department emphasizes that this is not a substantive change to the meal 
    requirements for the CACFP but is a technical amendment to clarify what 
    has always been the intent of the regulation.
    
    Care and Handling of Breast Milk
    
        Finally, as consumption of breast milk becomes increasingly 
    prevalent in the NSLP, SBP and CACFP, meal providers must take care to 
    ensure that breast milk is stored and handled properly to prevent 
    possible tainting or spread of disease. In particular, all breast milk 
    given to the provider should have a label stating the child's name, and 
    providers must make sure that each child receives only the breast milk 
    supplied by its mother. State agencies should include breast milk 
    handling techniques as part of their training and technical assistance 
    activities, and school food authorities and child care sponsors should 
    take steps to make all meal providers aware of the importance of this 
    issue.
    
    List of Subjects
    
    7 CFR Part 210
    
        Commodity School Program, Food assistance programs, Grants 
    programs--education, Grant programs--health, Infants and children, 
    Nutrition, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, School breakfast 
    and lunch programs, Surplus agricultural commodities.
    
    7 CFR Part 220
    
        Food assistance programs, Grant programs--education, Grant 
    programs--health, Infants and children, Nutrition, Reporting and 
    recordkeeping requirements, School breakfast and lunch programs.
    
    7 CFR Part 226
    
        Day care, Food assistance programs, Grant programs--health, Infants 
    and children, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, Surplus 
    agricultural commodities.
    
        Accordingly 7 CFR Parts 210, 220 and 226 are amended, as follows:
    
    PART 210--NATIONAL SCHOOL LUNCH PROGRAM
    
        1. The authority citation for part 210 continues to read as 
    follows:
    
        Authority: 42 U.S.C. 1751-1760, 1779.
    
        2. In Sec. 210.10:
        a. Paragraph (l)(1) is amended by revising the fifth sentence.
        b. Paragraph (m)(1)(i) is amended by removing the words ``formula 
    or milk''
    
    [[Page 61773]]
    
    and adding in their place the words ``breast milk or iron-fortified 
    infant formula''.
        c. Paragraph (m)(2) is amended by removing the ninth and tenth 
    sentences, revising the eleventh sentence, and adding two new sentences 
    immediately following the eleventh sentence.
        d. Paragraphs (m)(2)(i) and (m)(2)(ii)(A) are amended by adding the 
    words ``breast milk or'' between the words ``of'' and ``iron-fortified 
    infant formula'' each time they appear.
        e. Paragraph (m)(2)(iii)(A) is revised.
        f. A new table ``Lunch Pattern for Infants'' is added after 
    paragraph (m)(2)(iii)(C).
        g. Paragraphs (n)(3)(i), (n)(3)(ii) and (n)(3)(iii) are amended by 
    adding the words ``breast milk or iron-fortified'' between the words 
    ``of'' and ``infant formula''. Paragraph (n)(3)(iii) is further amended 
    by removing the words ``or whole fluid milk''.
        h. Paragraph (n)(3)(iv) is redesignated as paragraph (n)(4), and is 
    further amended by removing the word ``paragraph'' and adding in its 
    place the words ``paragraphs (n)(2) and''.
        i. The table ``Supplements for Infants'' appearing after the Meal 
    Supplement Chart for Children in newly redesignated paragraph (n)(4) is 
    revised.
        The revisions and additions specified above read as follows:
    
    
    Sec. 210.10  Nutrition standards for lunches and menu planning methods.
    
    * * * * *
        (l) * * *
        (1) * * * All milk served shall be pasteurized fluid types of milk 
    which meet State and local standards for such milk; except that, in the 
    meal pattern for infants under 1 year of age, the milk shall be breast 
    milk or iron-fortified infant formula. * * *
    * * * * *
        (m) * * *
        (2) * * * Either breast milk or iron-fortified infant formula shall 
    be served for the entire first year. For some breastfed infants who 
    regularly consume less than the minimum amount of breast milk per 
    feeding, a serving of less than the minimum amount of breast milk may 
    be offered. In these situations, additional breast milk must be offered 
    if the infant is still hungry.* * *
    * * * * *
        (iii) * * *
        (A) 6 to 8 fluid ounces of breast milk or iron-fortified infant 
    formula;
    * * * * *
        (C) * * *
    
                                                                    Lunch Pattern for Infants
    --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                               Birth through 3 months                    4 through 7 months                     8 through 11 months
    --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Lunch............................  4-6 fl.oz. breast milk 2 3 or formula   4-8 fl.oz. breast milk 2 3 or formula   6-8 fl.oz. breast milk 2 3 or formula
                                        \1\                                     \1\                                     \1\; and
                                       ......................................  0-3 Tbsp. Infant cereal 1 4;            2-4 Tbsp. Infant cereal 1; and/or
                                       ......................................  0-3 Tbsp. Fruit and/or vegetable \4\    1-4 Tbsp. meat, fish, poultry, egg
                                                                                                                        yolk, cooked dry beans, or peas; or
                                       ......................................  ......................................  \1/2\-2 oz. cheese; or
                                       ......................................  ......................................  1-4 Tbsp. cottage cheese, cheese
                                                                                                                        food, or cheese spread; and
                                       ......................................  ......................................  1-4 Tbsp. fruit and/or vegetable.
    --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    \1\ Infant formula and dry infant cereal shall be iron-fortified.
    \2\ It is recommended that breast milk be served in place of formula from birth through 11 months.
    \3\ For some breastfed infants who regularly consume less than the minimum amount of breast milk per feeding, a serving of less than the minimum amount
      of breast milk may be offered, with additional breast milk offered if the infant is still hungry.
    \4\ A serving of this component shall be optional.
    
        (n) * * *
        (4) * * *
    
                                                                     Supplements for Infants
    --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                               Birth through 3 months                    4 through 7 months                     8 through 11 months
    --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Supplement (snack)...............  4-6 fl. oz. breast milk 2 3 or formula  4-6 fl. oz. breast milk 2 3 or formula  2-4 fl. oz breast milk 2 3, formula
                                        \1\                                     \1\                                     1, or fruit juice \4\;
                                       ......................................  ......................................  0-\1/2\ bread \5\ or
                                       ......................................  ......................................  0-2 crackers \5\.
    --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    \1\ Infant formula shall be iron-fortified.
    \2\ It is recommended that breast milk be served in place of formula from birth through 11 months.
    \3\ For some breastfed infants who regularly consume less than the minimum amount of breast milk per feeding, a serving of less than the minimum amount
      of breast milk may be offered with additional breast milk offered if the infant is still hungry.
    \4\ Fruit juice shall be full-strength.
    \5\ Bread and bread alternates shall be made from whole-grain or enriched meal or flour. A serving of this component shall be optional.
    
    * * * * *
        3. In Sec. 210.10a:
        a. Paragraph (a)(1) is amended by removing the words ``formula or 
    milk'' and adding in their place the words ``breast milk or iron-
    fortified infant formula''.
        b. Paragraph (d)(1) is amended by revising the third sentence.
        c. The introductory text in paragraph (h) is amended by removing 
    the ninth and tenth sentences, revising the eleventh sentence, and 
    adding two new sentences immediately following the eleventh sentence.
        d. Paragraphs (h)(1), (h)(2)(i) and (h)(3)(i) are amended by adding 
    the words ``breast milk or'' between the words ``of'' and ``iron-
    fortified infant formula''. Paragraph (h)(3)(i) is further amended by 
    removing the words ``or 6 to 8 fluid ounces of whole milk''.
        e. A new table ``Lunch Pattern for Infants'' is added after 
    paragraph (h)(3)(iii).
        f. Paragraphs (j)(3)(i), (j)(3)(ii) and (j)(3)(iii) are amended by 
    adding the words ``breast milk or iron-fortified'' between the words 
    ``of'' and ``infant formula''. Paragraph (j)(3)(iii) is further amended 
    by removing the words ``or whole fluid milk''.
    
    [[Page 61774]]
    
        g. The undesignated text after paragraph (j)(3)(iii) is designated 
    as paragraph (j)(4), and is further amended by removing the word 
    ``paragraph'' and adding in its place the words ``paragraphs (j)(2) 
    and''.
        h. The table ``Supplements for Infants'' appearing after the Meal 
    Supplement Chart for Children in newly designated paragraph (j)(4) is 
    revised.
        The revisions and additions specified above read as follow:
    
    
    Sec. 210.10a  Lunch components and quantities for the meal pattern.
    
    * * * * *
        (d) * * *
        (1) * * * All milk served shall be pasteurized fluid types of milk 
    which meet State and local standards for such milk; except that, in the 
    meal pattern for infants under 1 year of age, the milk shall be breast 
    milk or iron-fortified infant formula. * * *
    * * * * *
        (h) * * * Either breast milk or iron-fortified infant formula shall 
    be served for the entire first year. For some breastfed infants who 
    regularly consume less than the minimum amount of breast milk per 
    feeding, a serving of less than the minimum amount of breast milk may 
    be offered. In these situations, additional breast milk must be offered 
    if the infant is still hungry.* * *
    * * * * *
        (3) * * *
    
                                                                    Lunch Pattern for Infants
    --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                               Birth through 3 months                    4 through 7 months                     8 through 11 months
    --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Lunch............................  4-6 fl. oz. formula \1\ or breast milk  4-8 fl. oz. formula \1\ or breast milk  6-8 fl. oz. formula \1\ or breast
                                        2 3                                     2 3;                                    milk 2 3; and
                                       ......................................  0-3 Tbsp. Infant cereal 1 4;            2-4 Tbsp. infant cereal \1\; and/or
                                       ......................................  0-3 Tbsp. Fruit and/or vegetable \4\    1-4 Tbsp. meat, fish, poultry, egg
                                                                                                                        yolk, cooked dry beans, or peas; or
                                       ......................................  ......................................  \1/2\-2 oz. cheese;
                                       ......................................  ......................................  or 1-4 Tbsp. cottage cheese, cheese
                                                                                                                        food, or cheese spread; and
                                       ......................................                                          1-4 Tbsp. fruit and/or vegetable.
    --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    \1\ Infant formula and dry infant cereal shall be iron-fortified.
    \2\ It is recommended that breast milk be served in place of formula from birth through 11 months.
    \3\ For some breastfed infants who regularly consume less than the minimum amount of breast milk per feeding, a serving of less than the minimum amount
      of breast milk may be offered, with additional breast milk offered if the infant is still hungry.
    \4\ A serving of this component shall be optional.
    
    * * * * *
        (j) * * *
        (4) * * *
    
                                                                     Supplements for Infants
    --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                               Birth through 3 months                    4 through 7 months                     8 through 11 months
    --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Supplement (snack)...............  4-6 fl.oz. formula \1\ or breast milk   4-6 fl. oz. formula 1 or breast milk 2  2-4 fl. oz. formula 1, breast milk 2
                                        2, 3                                    3                                       3, or fruit juice 4;
                                                                                                                       0-\1/2\ bread 5 or
                                                                                                                       0-2 crackers. 5
    --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    \1\ Infant formula shall be iron-fortified.
    \2\ It is recommended that breast milk be served in place of formula from birth through 11 months.
    \3\ For some breastfed infants who regularly consume less than the minimum amount of breast milk per feeding, a serving of less than the minimum amount
      of breast milk may be offered, with additional breast milk offered if the infant is still hungry.
    \4\ Fruit juice shall be full-strength.
    \5\ Bread and bread alternates shall be made from whole-grain or enriched meal or flour. A serving of this component shall be optional.
    
    PART 220--SCHOOL BREAKFAST PROGRAM
    
        1. The authority citation for part 220 continues to read as 
    follows:
    
        Authority: 42 U.S.C. 1773, 1779, unless otherwise noted.
    
        2. In Sec. 220.2:
        a. Paragraph (k) is amended by removing the words ``formula or 
    milk'' and adding in their place the words ``breast milk or iron-
    fortified infant formula''.
        b. Paragraph (n) is amended by revising the first sentence to read 
    as follows.
    
    
    Sec. 220.2  Definitions.
    
    * * * * *
        (n) Milk means pasteurized fluid types of unflavored or flavored 
    whole milk, lowfat milk, skim milk, or cultured buttermilk which meet 
    State and local standards for such milk except that, in the meal 
    pattern for infants (0 to 1 year of age), milk means breast milk or 
    iron-fortified infant formula. * * *
    * * * * *
        3. In Sec. 220.8:
        a. The introductory text in paragraph (i) is amended by removing 
    the ninth and tenth sentences, revising the eleventh sentence, and 
    adding two new sentences immediately following the eleventh sentence.
        b. Paragraphs (i)(1), (i)(2) and (i)(3) are amended by adding the 
    words ``breast milk or'' between the words ``of'' and ``iron-fortified 
    infant formula''. Paragraph (i)(3) is further amended by removing the 
    words ``or 6 to 8 fluid ounces of whole milk''.
        c. A new table ``Breakfast Pattern for Infants'' is added after 
    paragraph (i)(3).
        The revision and additions specified above read as follow:
    
    
    Sec. 220.8  Nutrition standards for breakfast and menu planning 
    alternatives.
    
    * * * * *
        (i) * * * Either breast milk or iron-fortified infant formula shall 
    be served for the entire first year. For some breastfed infants who 
    regularly consume less than the minimum amount of breast milk per 
    feeding, a serving of less than the minimum amount of breast milk may 
    be offered. In these situations,
    
    [[Page 61775]]
    
    additional breast milk must be offered if the infant is still hungry. * 
    * *
    * * * * *
        (3) * * *
    
                                                                  Breakfast Pattern for Infants
    --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                               Birth through 3 months                    4 through 7 months                     8 through 11 months
    --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Breakfast........................  4-6 fl.oz. formula 1 or breast milk 2   4-8 fl. oz. formula 1 or breast milk 2  6-8 fl. oz. formula 1 or breast milk
                                        3                                       3;                                      2 3; and
                                                                               0-3 Tbsp. Infant cereal 1, 4            2-4 Tbsp. infant cereal 1; and
                                                                                                                       1-4 Tbsp. fruit and/or vegetable.
    --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    \1\ Infant formula and dry infant cereal shall be iron-fortified.
    \2\ It is recommended that breast milk be served in place of formula from birth through 11 months.
    \3\ For some breastfed infants who regularly consume less than the minimum amount of breast milk per feeding, a serving of less than the minimum amount
      of breast milk may be offered, with additional breast milk offered if the infant is still hungry.
    \4\ A serving of this component shall be optional.
    
    * * * * *
        4. In Sec. 220.8a:
        a. The introductory text in paragraph (b) is amended by removing 
    the ninth and tenth sentences, revising the eleventh sentence, and 
    adding two new sentences immediately following the eleventh sentence.
        b. Paragraphs (b)(1), (b)(2) and (b)(3) are amended by adding the 
    words ``breast milk or'' between the words ``of'' and ``iron-fortified 
    infant formula'' . Paragraph (b)(3) is further amended by removing the 
    words ``or 6 to 8 fluid ounces of whole milk''.
        c. A new table ``Breakfast Pattern for Infants'' is added after 
    paragraph (b)(3).
        The additions specified above read as follow:
    
    
    Sec. 220.8a  Breakfast components and quantities for the meal pattern.
    
    * * * * *
        (b) * * * Either breast milk or iron-fortified infant formula shall 
    be served for the entire first year. For some breastfed infants who 
    regularly consume less than the minimum amount of breast milk per 
    feeding, a serving of less than the minimum amount of breast milk may 
    be offered. In these situations, additional breast milk must be offered 
    if the infant is still hungry. * * *
    * * * * *
        (3) * * *
    
                                              Breakfast Pattern for Infants
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                          Birth through 3 months     4 through 7 months        8 through 11 months
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Breakfast........................  4-6 fl.oz. formula 1 or    4-8 fl. oz. formula 1 or  6-8 fl. oz. formula 1 or
                                        breast milk 2 3.           breast milk 2 3;.         breast milk 2 3; and
                                                                  0-3 Tbsp. Infant cereal   2-4 Tbsp. Infant cereal
                                                                   1 4.                      1; and
                                                                                            1-4 Tbsp. Fruit and/or
                                                                                             vegetable.
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    \1\ Infant formula and dry infant cereal shall be iron-fortified.
    \2\ It is recommended that breast milk be served in place of formula from birth through 11 months.
    \3\ For some breastfed infants who regularly consume less than the minimum amount of breast milk per feeding, a
      serving of less than the minimum amount of breast milk may be offered, with additional breast milk offered if
      the infant is still hungry.
    \4\ A serving of this component shall be optional.
    
    * * * * *
    
    PART 226--CHILD AND ADULT CARE FOOD PROGRAM
    
        1. The authority citation for part 226 continues to read as 
    follows:
    
        Authority: Secs. 9, 11, 14, 16 and 17, National School Lunch 
    Act, as amended (42 U.S.C. 1758, 1759a, 1762a, 1765 and 1766).
    
        2. In Sec. 226.2:
        a. The definition of Infant cereal is amended by removing the words 
    ``formula or milk'' and adding in their place the words ``breast milk 
    or iron-fortified infant formula''.
        b. The definition of Infant formula is revised.
        c. The definition of Milk is amended by revising the first 
    sentence.
        The revisions specified above read as follow:
    
    
    Sec. 226.2  Definitions
    
    * * * * *
        Infant formula means any iron-fortified formula intended for 
    dietary use solely as a food for normal, healthy infants; excluding 
    those formulas specifically formulated for infants with inborn errors 
    of metabolism or digestive or absorptive problems. Infant formula, as 
    served, must be in liquid state at recommended dilution.
    * * * * *
        Milk means pasteurized fluid types of unflavored or flavored whole 
    milk, lowfat milk, skim milk, or cultured buttermilk which meet State 
    and local standards for such milk, except that, in the meal pattern for 
    infants (0 to 1 year of age), milk means breast milk or iron-fortified 
    infant formula. * * *
    * * * * *
        3. In Sec. 226.20:
        a. The introductory text in paragraph (b) is amended by removing 
    the ninth and tenth sentences, revising the eleventh sentence, and 
    adding two new sentences immediately following the eleventh sentence.
        b. Paragraphs (b)(1), (b)(2), (b)(3)(i) and (b)(3)(ii) are amended 
    by adding the words ``breast milk or'' between the words ``of'' and 
    ``iron-fortified infant formula'' each time they appear. Paragraphs 
    (b)(3)(i) and (b)(3)(ii) are further amended by removing the words ``or 
    6 to 8 fluid ounces whole milk'' each time they appear.
        c. Paragraph (b)(3)(iii) is amended by removing the words ``whole 
    milk'' and adding the words ``breast milk'' in their place.
        d. The ``Child Care Infant Meal Pattern'' table in paragraph (b)(4) 
    is revised.
        The revisions and addition specified above read as follow:
    
    [[Page 61776]]
    
    Sec. 226.20  Requirements for meals.
    
    * * * * *
        (b) * * * Either breast milk or iron-fortified infant formula shall 
    be served for the entire first year. For some breastfed infants who 
    regularly consume less than the minimum amount of breast milk per 
    feeding, a serving of less than the minimum amount of breast milk may 
    be offered. In these situations, additional breast milk must be offered 
    if the infant is still hungry.* * *
    * * * * *
        (4) * * *
    
                                             Child Care Infant Meal Pattern
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                         Birth through 3 months      4 through 7 months        8 through 11 months
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Breakfast........................  4-6 fl. oz. formula \1\    4-8 fl. oz. formula \1\   6-8 fl. oz. formula \1\
                                        or breast milk \2\ \3\.    or breast milk \2\ \3\;.  or breast milk \2\ \3\;
                                                                                             and
                                                                  0-3 Tbsp. Infant cereal   2-4 Tbsp. Infant cereal
                                                                   \1\ \4\.                  \1\,\4\; and
                                                                                            1-4 Tbsp. Fruit and/or
                                                                                             vegetable
    Lunch or supper..................  4-6 fl. oz. formula \1\    4-8 fl. oz. formula \1\   6-8 fl. oz. formula \1\
                                        or breast milk \2\, \3\.   or breast milk \2\,       or breast milk \2\,
                                                                   \3\;.                     \3\; and
                                                                  0-3 Tbsp. Infant cereal   2-4 Tbsp. Infant cereal
                                                                   \1\, \4\;.                \1\; and/or
                                                                  0-3 Tbsp. Fruit and/or    1-4 Tbsp. Meat, fish,
                                                                   vegetable \4\.            poultry, egg yolk,
                                                                                             cooked dry beans, or
                                                                                             peas; or
                                                                                            \1/2\-2 oz. Cheese; or
                                                                                            1-4 Tbsp. Cottage
                                                                                             cheese, cheese food, or
                                                                                             cheese spread; and
                                                                                            1-4 Tbsp. Fruit and/or
                                                                                             vegetable
    Supplement (snack)...............  4-6 fl. oz. formula \1\    4-6 fl. oz. formula \1\   2-4 fl. oz. formula \1\,
                                        or breast milk \2\ \3\.    or breast milk \2\ \3\.   breast milk \2\ \3\, or
                                                                                             fruit juice \5\;
                                                                                            0-\1/2\ bread \4\ \6\ or
                                                                                            0-2 crackers \4\ \6\
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    \1\ Infant formula and dry infant cereal shall be iron-fortified.
    \2\ It is recommended that breast milk be served in place of formula from birth through 11 months.
    \3\ For some breastfed infants who regularly consume less than the minimum amount of breast milk per feeding, a
      serving of less than the minimum amount of breast milk may be offered, with additional breast milk offered if
      the infant is still hungry.
    \4\ A serving of this component shall be optional.
    \5\ Fruit juice shall be full-strength.
    \6\ Bread and bread alternates shall be made from whole-grain or enriched meal or flour.
    
    * * * * *
        Dated: October 29, 1999.
    Shirley R. Watkins,
    Under Secretary for Food, Nutrition and Consumer Services.
    [FR Doc. 99-29546 Filed 11-12-99; 8:45 am]
    BILLING CODE 3410-30-P
    
    
    

Document Information

Effective Date:
12/15/1999
Published:
11/15/1999
Department:
Food and Nutrition Service
Entry Type:
Rule
Action:
Interim rule with request for comments.
Document Number:
99-29546
Dates:
This rule is effective December 15, 1999. To be assured of consideration, comments must be postmarked on or before May 15, 2000.
Pages:
61770-61776 (7 pages)
Docket Numbers:
RIN 0584-AB81
PDF File:
99-29546.pdf
CFR: (7)
7 CFR 210.10
7 CFR 220.2
7 CFR 220.8
7 CFR 226.2
7 CFR 226.20
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