Why do I need a CN Label or Product Formulation Statement?
Some foods can count in more than one food group or have a mix of creditable and non-creditable ingredients. Example of non-creditable ingredients are binders, fillers or extenders. In these cases, your state agency or Food Program sponsor will need more information about how the food counts on the CACFP or SFSP.
Examples of foods that need CN Labels or Product Formulation Statements because they count in more than one food group:
- Beef or Steak Fingers
- Breaded Chicken Nuggets
- Breakfast Sandwiches or Wraps
- Burritos
- Chili
- Corn Dogs
- Egg Rolls
- Fish Nuggets, Sticks or Squares
- French Toast
- Pancake and Sausage Wraps
- Pizza
- Popcorn Chicken
- Quesadillas
- Ravioli or Tortellini
- Shrimp Poppers
- Spaghetti Sauce with Meat
Examples of foods that need CN Labels or Product Formulation Statements because they have a mix of creditable and non-creditable ingredients:
- Beef Patties
- Bologna
- Deli Meats
- Hot Dogs
- Knockwurst
- Meatballs
- Meatloaf
- Omelets
- Pepperoni
- Pre-Cooked Beef Crumbles
- Pulled Pork or Chicken
- Rib Shaped Patties
- Salami
- Sausage Links or Patties
- Sloppy Joe Filling
- Taco Filling
What is the difference between a CN Label or Product Formulation Statement?
A Product Formulation Statement, on the other hand, has not been reviewed or approved by the USDA Food and Nutrition Service.
Where do I find a CN Label or Product Formulation Statement?
CN Labels are found right on the product package! CN Labels are required to use a specific format determined by the USDA. They look like this:
Product Formulation Statements can take many forms. The USDA does provide a template for Product Formulation Statements that looks like this:
However, food manufacturers are not required to use the USDA template for a Product Formulation Statement. Many food manufacturers just provide a signed letter on company letterhead that demonstrates how the product contributes toward the meal pattern requirements for the CACFP or SFSP.
How can My Food Program help with CN Labels and Product Formulation Statements?
My Food Program cannot provide CN Labels for operators of the CACFP or SFSP. However, we can help:
- Show a symbol on our menu calendar to make you aware of foods that would need a CN Label or Product Formulation Statement.
- Store the documentation in our “Labels” feature
- Generate reports of specific food items on menus that were served during a span of time that should have a CN Label or Product Formulation Statement.
If you’re interested in using My Food Program to make participation in the CACFP and SFSP easier, contact us today.