If you choose to serve entrées that are commercially prepared, such as chicken nuggets, lasagna or fish sticks, you need to know how the product contributes to the meal pattern requirements. You have two options for documentation:
- The CN Label on the package
- Product Formulation Statement from the manufacturer
Each manufacturer is allowed to make their own Product Formulation Statement as long it meets the following rules:
- Written on company letterhead
- Signed (handwritten, stamped or an electronic signature)
- Includes product name, product code and serving/portion size
- Lists creditable ingredients from the USDA Food Buying Guide
- Provides additional documentation for Alternate Protein Products (like soy concentrate), if applicable
- Correctly calculates the meal pattern contribution
If you are requesting a Product Formulation Statement from a manufacturer, make them aware that the USDA has templates available for their use! The use of the USDA template will decrease the chances that the manufacturer will provide an inadequate Product Formulation Statement that may result in YOU needing to pay back money after a CACFP audit.
There are separate templates for documenting:
- Meat/Meat Alternate
- Vegetables (with sub-groups, used only for schools)
- Fruit
- Combination of Vegetables and Fruits
- Grains (in both ounce equivalents and servings)
There are separate templates for documenting:
USDA PRODUCT FORMULATION TIP SHEET & TEMPLATES (click on image to download)
