USDA Faces Multistate Lawsuit over Decision to Reverse School Meal Nutrition Standards

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A multistate coalition filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) over its decision to weaken the federal nutrition standards for breakfasts and lunches served in schools.

In the lawsuit, the coalition argued that the USDA violated the federal Administrative Procedure Act (APA) when it did not notify the public about its decision.

Additionally, the coalition contended that the department ignored existing federal dietary guidelines. The USDA allegedly failed to rely on any tested nutritional research when it decided to change the federal nutrition standards for school breakfasts and lunches.

Furthermore, the coalition argued that children who eat meals in schools will be exposed to health consequences if the USDA will implement the changes. Therefore, causing harms to the states that brought the litigation including California, Illinois, New York, Minnesota, New Mexico, Vermont, and the District of Columbia.

USDA’s changes to the school meal nutrition standards

Under the USDA’s final rule, local operators will now be able to permanently offer flavored, low-fat milk in the Special Milk Program for Children and in the Child and Adult Care Food Program for participants ages 6 and older.