82_FR_59031 82 FR 58792 - Food Crediting in Child Nutrition Programs: Request for Information

82 FR 58792 - Food Crediting in Child Nutrition Programs: Request for Information

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Food and Nutrition Service

Federal Register Volume 82, Issue 239 (December 14, 2017)

Page Range58792-58795
FR Document2017-26979

The National School Lunch Program, School Breakfast Program, Child and Adult Care Food Program, and Summer Food Service Program (Child Nutrition Programs), which are administered by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Food and Nutrition Service (FNS), play a critical role in ensuring that America's children have access to the nutritious food they need to learn and succeed in the classroom, afterschool, and during the summer. It is FNS' responsibility to establish and support the meal patterns and nutrition standards (collectively referred to as meal patterns) in the Child Nutrition Programs that advance the goals of providing nutritious and satisfying meals to a broad population of children. At the same time, FNS works to simplify the menu planning process for Program operators to promote the efficient use of Program funds and provide a wide variety of food choices to menu planners and children. In order to claim Federal reimbursement, Child Nutrition Program operators must serve meals and snacks that meet the minimum meal pattern requirements of the respective Program. Crediting is the process designed by FNS to specify how individual food items contribute to the Child Nutrition Programs' meal patterns. Several factors impact how food products can credit toward reimbursable meals, such as volume, weight, and overall nutrient profile. The purpose of this Request for Information is to help FNS gather feedback from a wide variety of stakeholders on how FNS' crediting system can best address today's evolving food and nutrition environment, as well as to offer first-rate customer service to those operating and benefitting from the Child Nutrition Programs. FNS welcomes comments from all interested stakeholders. While FNS is interested in your general comments about the crediting process, FNS also invites comments on the crediting of several specific food products. FNS is especially interested in understanding both the possible benefits and any negative impacts associated with potential changes to how certain foods may or may not credit.

Federal Register, Volume 82 Issue 239 (Thursday, December 14, 2017)
[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 239 (Thursday, December 14, 2017)]
[Notices]
[Pages 58792-58795]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2017-26979]


========================================================================
Notices
                                                Federal Register
________________________________________________________________________

This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains documents other than rules 
or proposed rules that are applicable to the public. Notices of hearings 
and investigations, committee meetings, agency decisions and rulings, 
delegations of authority, filing of petitions and applications and agency 
statements of organization and functions are examples of documents 
appearing in this section.

========================================================================


Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 239 / Thursday, December 14, 2017 / 
Notices

[[Page 58792]]



DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Food and Nutrition Service


Food Crediting in Child Nutrition Programs: Request for 
Information

AGENCY: Food and Nutrition Service, USDA.

ACTION: Request for information.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: The National School Lunch Program, School Breakfast Program, 
Child and Adult Care Food Program, and Summer Food Service Program 
(Child Nutrition Programs), which are administered by the United States 
Department of Agriculture (USDA), Food and Nutrition Service (FNS), 
play a critical role in ensuring that America's children have access to 
the nutritious food they need to learn and succeed in the classroom, 
afterschool, and during the summer. It is FNS' responsibility to 
establish and support the meal patterns and nutrition standards 
(collectively referred to as meal patterns) in the Child Nutrition 
Programs that advance the goals of providing nutritious and satisfying 
meals to a broad population of children. At the same time, FNS works to 
simplify the menu planning process for Program operators to promote the 
efficient use of Program funds and provide a wide variety of food 
choices to menu planners and children.
    In order to claim Federal reimbursement, Child Nutrition Program 
operators must serve meals and snacks that meet the minimum meal 
pattern requirements of the respective Program. Crediting is the 
process designed by FNS to specify how individual food items contribute 
to the Child Nutrition Programs' meal patterns. Several factors impact 
how food products can credit toward reimbursable meals, such as volume, 
weight, and overall nutrient profile.
    The purpose of this Request for Information is to help FNS gather 
feedback from a wide variety of stakeholders on how FNS' crediting 
system can best address today's evolving food and nutrition 
environment, as well as to offer first-rate customer service to those 
operating and benefitting from the Child Nutrition Programs. FNS 
welcomes comments from all interested stakeholders. While FNS is 
interested in your general comments about the crediting process, FNS 
also invites comments on the crediting of several specific food 
products. FNS is especially interested in understanding both the 
possible benefits and any negative impacts associated with potential 
changes to how certain foods may or may not credit.

DATES: To be assured of consideration, written information must be 
submitted or postmarked on or before February 12, 2018.

ADDRESSES: The Food and Nutrition Service, USDA, invites the submission 
of the requested information through one of the following methods:
     Preferred method: Submit information through the Federal 
eRulemaking Portal at http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the online 
instructions for submissions.
     Mail: Submissions should be addressed to Angela Kline, 
Director, Policy and Program Development, Child Nutrition Programs, 
Food and Nutrition Service, P.O. Box 66740, Saint Louis, MO 63166-6740.
    All information properly and timely submitted, using one of the two 
methods described above, in response to this Request for Information 
will be included in the record and will be made available to the public 
on the internet at http://www.regulations.gov. Please be advised that 
the substance of the information provided and the identity of the 
individuals or entities submitting it will be subject to public 
disclosure.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Tina Namian, Branch Chief, Policy and 
Program Development, Child Nutrition Programs, Food and Nutrition 
Service at (703) 305-2590.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

I. Background

Child Nutrition Programs' Nutrition Standards

    One of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Food and 
Nutrition Service's (FNS) highest priorities is to ensure that 
participants in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP), School 
Breakfast Program (SBP), Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP), and 
Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) (collectively referred to as the 
Child Nutrition Programs) receive wholesome, nutritious, and tasty 
meals. The Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act (NSLA) and the 
Child Nutrition Act of 1966 (CNA) authorize FNS to establish meal 
patterns and nutrition standards (collectively referred to as meal 
patterns) for the Child Nutrition Programs. The NSLA requires FNS to 
develop meal patterns that are consistent with the recommendations of 
the most recent Dietary Guidelines for Americans (Dietary Guidelines) 
and current nutrition research.
    The Child Nutrition Programs' meal patterns establish the foods and 
minimum serving sizes that must be served for a meal or snack to be 
reimbursable. The meal patterns are currently based on food groups 
(components), not individual nutrients. A reimbursable meal or snack 
includes a certain amount (or combination) of vegetables, fruits, fluid 
milk, grains, and meats or meat alternates (e.g., protein foods, such 
as chicken, and dairy foods, such as yogurt). Each Child Nutrition 
Program has individualized meal patterns for the various age and grade 
groups that participate in the Program. The meal patterns were created 
to enable children to be self-sufficient by providing the adequate and 
consistent levels of foods and nutrients children need to learn and 
grow, as well as help children build healthy habits that can last a 
lifetime.

Crediting Methodology

    Crediting is the process established by FNS to determine how 
individual foods contribute to the Child Nutrition Programs' meal 
patterns. A food is considered creditable when it meets the minimum 
standards that count toward a reimbursable meal or snack. Generally, 
this means foods are grouped into categories of similar foods which are 
credited in a similar way.
    The main focus of FNS' crediting system is to provide simple 
information that allows Child Nutrition Program operators to (1) easily 
plan menus with foods and quantities that meet the meal patterns, and 
(2) offer foods in a way that encourages healthy habits and

[[Page 58793]]

teaches children how to build balanced meals. Crediting information is 
conveyed through resources such as FNS' Food Buying Guide for Child 
Nutrition Programs and other technical assistance materials.
    A number of factors impact how foods credit toward a reimbursable 
meal. It is critical that crediting decisions be made on the fullest 
range of factors possible to ensure transparency and consistency in the 
crediting process. The overall nutrient profile of a food is a primary 
consideration. Foods in each food component are based on a range of 
nutrients instead of an individual food's nutrient profile. For 
example, foods in the meats/meat alternates component are grouped based 
on a collection of nutrients that include protein, B vitamins, 
selenium, choline, phosphorus, zinc, and copper. Therefore, different 
varieties of meat (e.g., lean beef versus turkey) are not currently 
evaluated separately based on their protein content. The volume or 
weight of the food is also an important factor in making crediting 
determinations. All meats/meat alternates and grains are credited in 
ounces equivalencies. Fruits, vegetables, and fluid milk are credited 
based on volume served.
    In addition, foods that credit toward a reimbursable meal in the 
Child Nutrition Programs sometimes have a Federal standard of identity. 
Standards of identity are established by the U.S. Food and Drug 
Administration (FDA) and the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service 
(FSIS). They are mandatory requirements that determine what a food must 
contain to be marketed under a certain name. For example, for a product 
to be labeled peanut butter, it must meet the standard of identity 
requirements that specify the amount and type of ingredients that may 
be included. Standards of identity assist FNS in crediting because they 
provide a common standard under which specific foods are made. This 
allows FNS to set crediting policy with confidence that products from 
all manufacturers will have the same characteristics and, thus, make a 
consistent contribution to the meal patterns. There are some products 
on the commercial market that do not have an FDA or FSIS standard of 
identity, but have industry-defined standards. FNS first considers 
Federal standards of identity when making crediting decisions. When a 
Federal standard of identity does not exist, then FNS may use industry 
standards for production to better understand the manufacturing 
process.
    FNS also considers the customary use of a product. For example, 
some foods are typically consumed as a snack food and have not been 
considered appropriate for including as part of a meal in the Child 
Nutrition Programs. Therefore, they are currently not creditable. This 
is discussed more in section II. Questions and Answers. Finally, FNS 
considers the role of the Child Nutrition Program in teaching children 
healthy eating habits when making crediting decisions.

Purpose and Scope

    FNS' objective in issuing this Request for Information is to 
receive input from a broad spectrum of stakeholders to assist FNS in 
making informed decisions on how FNS' crediting system can best address 
today's evolving food and nutrition environment, ensure children have 
access to the nutrition they need, and offer excellent customer service 
to those operating and benefitting from the Child Nutrition Programs. 
It is important that FNS' crediting system balances the nutritional 
needs of the Child Nutrition Programs' participants, as recommended by 
the Dietary Guidelines, and the need to offer flexibility and a wide 
range of choices. FNS recognizes that new or reformulated food products 
are regularly entering the food market. These new or reformulated food 
products can offer more choices to menu planners and children.
    FNS is especially interested in understanding both the possible 
benefits and any negative impacts associated with potential changes to 
how certain foods may or may not credit. As such, FNS is seeking 
feedback from all interested stakeholders on the questions listed 
below. Some questions address specific foods due to a high volume of 
interest in those products. However, FNS is open to feedback about the 
creditability of other food products as well (see Questions 20-25) and 
crediting process in general. Additionally, while all comments are 
welcome, FNS is particularly interested in comments that are consistent 
with the current statutory framework for the Child Nutrition Programs.

II. Questions

Factors To Determine Crediting

    FNS currently considers the following factors when making crediting 
decisions:
     Volume or weight of the food. All meats/meat alternates 
and grains are credited in ounces. Fruits, vegetables, and fluid milk 
are credited based on volume served. However, dried fruit credits at 
twice the volume served and raw, leafy greens credit as half the volume 
served. Additionally, tomato puree and tomato paste credit as if they 
were reconstituted, instead of as volume served.
    1. Is it appropriate to continue to credit foods based on the 
volume or weight served, with the few exceptions discussed above? Why 
or why not?
    2. What are the benefits and negative impacts of having different 
crediting values for different forms of vegetables and fruits?
     Overall nutrient profile. Foods in each component are 
based on a range of nutrients instead of an individual food's nutrient 
profile. For example, foods in the meats/meat alternates component are 
grouped based on a collection of nutrients that include protein, B 
vitamins, selenium, choline, phosphorus, zinc, copper, and vitamins D 
and E. Generally, FNS has not considered fortification in the 
creditability of foods.
    3. Should fortification play a role in determining if and how a 
food is credited in the Child Nutrition Programs? Why or why not?
    4. Is the presence of certain nutrients more important than other 
nutrients when determining if and how a food credits in the Child 
Nutrition Programs? Why or why not?
     Federal standards of identity and industry standards of 
production. Many creditable food products in the Child Nutrition 
Programs have Federal standards of identity or industry standards for 
production. Standards of identity assist FNS in crediting because they 
ensure food products with the same name have the same characteristics 
and, therefore, make a consistent contribution to the meal patterns.
    5. If a food product does not have a Federal standard of identity 
or industry standards for production, how could these food products 
credit in the Child Nutrition Programs? Please be as specific as 
possible.
     Customary use of the food product. Some foods are 
generally consumed as snacks and, therefore, have not been considered 
appropriate for service in the Child Nutrition Programs. In other 
cases, the volume of food required to meet the minimum serving size 
would be unreasonably large. In other cases, such products do credit. 
For example, tortillas and tortilla products, such as taco shells, may 
credit as a grain item in the Child Nutrition Programs because in 
certain cultures they are served as the grain component of a meal. 
(Please see below for more information about snack-type foods.)

[[Page 58794]]

    6. Is it appropriate to continue to consider the customary use of a 
product when determining how a food credits in the Child Nutrition 
Programs? Why or why not?
     The role of the Child Nutrition Program in teaching 
children healthy eating habits. Meals and snacks served in the Child 
Nutrition Programs act as a teaching tool for children by visually 
demonstrating how to build a healthy, balanced meal with the key food 
groups and amounts recommended by the Dietary Guidelines. For example, 
although pasta made from lentils has a standard of identity and may be 
used in all Child Nutrition Programs, in order for the pasta to credit 
as a vegetable, it must be served with another vegetable, such as 
broccoli or tomato sauce, to help children recognize the vegetable 
component. Likewise, lentil pasta can credit as a meat alternate if it 
is served with another meat/meat alternate, such as chicken or black 
beans.
    7. What role should such educational considerations play in 
determining the creditability of a food in the Child Nutrition 
Programs?
    8. Are there other factors FNS should consider in determining how 
foods credit in the Child Nutrition Programs? Why or why not?
    9. Are there additional ways FNS can make the crediting process 
more simple, fair, or transparent? Please be as specific as possible.

Foods From the Meat/Meat Alternate Component

    Shelf-stable, Dried or Semi-dried Meat, Poultry, and Seafood 
Snacks, and Surimi: Currently, shelf stable, dried and semi-dried meat, 
poultry, and seafood products, such as beef jerky or summer sausage, 
(collectively referred to as dried meat/poultry/seafood snacks) 
currently do not credit towards the Child Nutrition Programs' meal 
patterns. These foods have a Federal standard of identity that varies 
widely, there is a wide variety of industry standards for production, 
and they are typically seen as snack-type foods. However, FNS 
understands these products may be appealing to some Child Nutrition 
Program operators because dried meat/poultry/seafood snacks are shelf 
stable, work well with alternative meal delivery methods, such as 
breakfast in the classroom and lunches for field trips, and provide 
more choices to menu planners and children. Similarly, surimi, which is 
whitefish that is processed to resemble more expensive seafood and 
labeled as ``imitation,'' such as imitation crab, does not credit 
towards the Child Nutrition Programs' meal patterns. Surimi lacks an 
FDA standard of identity and there is a wide variety of industry 
standards for production. Additionally, foods labeled as ``imitation'' 
may have significantly different nutrition profiles than the foods they 
are meant to replace. To assist reviewers in adequately compiling 
public feedback, please provide separate comments on dried meat/
poultry/seafood snacks, and imitation crab.
    10. Are Child Nutrition Program operators currently offering any of 
these foods as an extra item that does not contribute to the Child 
Nutrition Programs' meal patterns? If so, which ones?
    10a. If yes, how are they being served (e.g., as an extra component 
at snack) and how often?
    11. Should FNS allow any of these foods to contribute to the Child 
Nutrition Programs' meal patterns? Why or why not?
    12. If any of these foods are allowed to contribute to the Child 
Nutrition Programs' meal patterns, how should they be credited? Be as 
specific as possible, such as the volume or weight needed, or a 
specific nutrient content.
    12a. Is there an ingredient or processing method that would qualify 
or disqualify these products?
    13. If any of these foods are allowed to contribute to the Child 
Nutrition Programs' meal patterns, would Child Nutrition Program 
operators incorporate these foods into menus to meet the meats/meat 
alternates requirement? Why or why not?
    13a. If yes, how would they be served (e.g., at snack, as part of a 
reimbursable lunch)?
    14. If any of these foods are allowed to contribute to the Child 
Nutrition Programs' meal patterns, how would this impact the Child 
Nutrition Programs, including its participants and operators? What are 
the potential benefits and negative impacts?
    Yogurt: Yogurt may be used to meet all or part of the meats/meat 
alternates component. It may be plain or flavored, unsweetened or 
sweetened, traditional (non-strained or non-thickened) or Greek or 
Greek-style (high protein, strained or thickened). Four ounces (weight) 
or \1/2\ cup (volume) of traditional or high protein yogurt is credited 
as one ounce equivalent of meat alternate. This crediting was based on 
public comment (62 FR 10187, April 1997) and acknowledges the 
relatively low levels of iron and niacin in yogurt compared to other 
foods from the meats/meat alternates component. Since then, high 
protein yogurt has increased in popularity and availability. As such, 
FNS was asked to consider whether it would be beneficial to allow a 
lesser volume of high protein yogurt to credit toward the meat/meat 
alternate component compared to traditional yogurt. The rationale for 
this request was that high protein yogurt contains a higher level of 
protein per ounce versus traditional yogurt. Currently, crediting has 
not been based on an individual food's nutrient profile, or any one 
nutrient. That is, the contribution of a food towards the meat/meat 
alternate requirement is not based solely on the grams of protein. For 
example, different varieties of meat (e.g., lean beef versus turkey) 
are not evaluated separately based on their protein content.
    15. Are Child Nutrition Program operators currently offering high 
protein yogurt as part of a reimbursable meal?
    16. Should FNS create a separate crediting standard for high 
protein yogurt that is different than the crediting standard for 
traditional yogurt for the Child Nutrition Programs? Why or why not?
    17. If high protein yogurt is allowed to contribute differently to 
the Child Nutrition Programs' meal patterns than traditional yogurt, 
how should high protein yogurt be credited? Be as specific as possible, 
such as the volume or weight needed.
    17a. Is there an ingredient or processing method that could qualify 
or disqualify a particular yogurt from crediting in the Child Nutrition 
Programs (e.g., a particular thickening agent could disqualify a high 
protein yogurt)?
    18. If high protein yogurt is allowed to contribute differently to 
the Child Nutrition Programs' meal patterns than traditional yogurt, 
would Child Nutrition Program operators take advantage of using it to 
meet the meats/meat alternates requirement? Why or why not?
    18a. If yes, how would Child Nutrition Program operators serve it 
(e.g., at snack, as part of a reimbursable lunch)?
    19. If high protein yogurt is allowed to contribute differently to 
the Child Nutrition Programs' meal patterns than traditional yogurt, 
how would this impact the Child Nutrition Programs, including its 
participants and operators, as well as food manufacturers? What are the 
potential benefits and negative impacts?

Other Foods Not Currently Creditable

    In the past, FNS has chosen not to credit a small number of other 
foods in the Child Nutrition Programs because these foods do not meet 
the requirement for any food component in the Child Nutrition Programs' 
meal patterns. For

[[Page 58795]]

various reasons this has occurred, including being considered snack-
type foods, lacking a standard of identity, or because the volume of 
food required to meet the minimum serving size would be unreasonably 
large. For example, foods such as popcorn, vegetable chips (does not 
include chips made from grain such as tortilla chips), bacon, and 
tempeh are currently not creditable for the aforementioned reasons. A 
list of various foods that do not currently credit in the Child 
Nutrition Programs is available in FNS' Food Buying Guide for Child 
Nutrition Programs under ``Other Foods'' (see https://fns.usda.gov/sites/default/files/tn/fbg-section5-other.pdf). Comments on any foods 
currently not creditable in the Child Nutrition Programs are welcome, 
using the following questions as a guide.
    20. Are Child Nutrition Program operators currently offering any of 
these foods as an extra item that does not contribute to the Child 
Nutrition Programs' meal patterns? If so, which ones?
    21. Should FNS allow any of these foods to contribute to the Child 
Nutrition Programs' meal patterns? Why or why not? If so, which ones?
    22. If any of these foods are allowed to contribute to the Child 
Nutrition Programs' meal patterns, how should they be credited? Be as 
specific as possible, such as the volume or weight needed, or a 
specific nutrient content.
    22a. Is there an ingredient, processing method, or nutrient 
standard (e.g., sodium content) that should qualify or disqualify any 
of these foods?
    23. If any of these foods are allowed to contribute to the Child 
Nutrition Programs' meal patterns, would Child Nutrition Program 
operators incorporate them into menus to meet the Child Nutrition 
Programs' meal patterns? Why or why not?
    23a. If yes, how would they be served (e.g., as part of a 
reimbursable snack)?
    24. If any of these foods are allowed to contribute to the Child 
Nutrition Programs' meal patterns, how would this impact the Child 
Nutrition Programs, including its participants and operators, as well 
as food manufacturers? What are the potential benefits and negative 
impacts?
    25. Are there additional products not mentioned in this request for 
information that are currently not creditable, but you would wish to 
provide comments on? Please be as specific as possible.
    FNS appreciates your thoughtful and responsive comments. FNS 
welcomes comments from all interested stakeholders and will consider 
all of them carefully. Your comments are essential to enabling FNS to 
provide first rate customer service to those we serve.

    Dated: December 7, 2017.
Brandon Lipps,
Administrator, Food and Nutrition Service.
[FR Doc. 2017-26979 Filed 12-13-17; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 3410-30-P



                                                58792

                                                Notices                                                                                                       Federal Register
                                                                                                                                                              Vol. 82, No. 239

                                                                                                                                                              Thursday, December 14, 2017



                                                This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER                    stakeholders on how FNS’ crediting                    in the National School Lunch Program
                                                contains documents other than rules or                  system can best address today’s                       (NSLP), School Breakfast Program
                                                proposed rules that are applicable to the               evolving food and nutrition                           (SBP), Child and Adult Care Food
                                                public. Notices of hearings and investigations,         environment, as well as to offer first-rate           Program (CACFP), and Summer Food
                                                committee meetings, agency decisions and                customer service to those operating and               Service Program (SFSP) (collectively
                                                rulings, delegations of authority, filing of
                                                petitions and applications and agency
                                                                                                        benefitting from the Child Nutrition                  referred to as the Child Nutrition
                                                statements of organization and functions are            Programs. FNS welcomes comments                       Programs) receive wholesome,
                                                examples of documents appearing in this                 from all interested stakeholders. While               nutritious, and tasty meals. The Richard
                                                section.                                                FNS is interested in your general                     B. Russell National School Lunch Act
                                                                                                        comments about the crediting process,                 (NSLA) and the Child Nutrition Act of
                                                                                                        FNS also invites comments on the                      1966 (CNA) authorize FNS to establish
                                                DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE                               crediting of several specific food                    meal patterns and nutrition standards
                                                                                                        products. FNS is especially interested in             (collectively referred to as meal
                                                Food and Nutrition Service                              understanding both the possible benefits              patterns) for the Child Nutrition
                                                                                                        and any negative impacts associated                   Programs. The NSLA requires FNS to
                                                Food Crediting in Child Nutrition                       with potential changes to how certain                 develop meal patterns that are
                                                Programs: Request for Information                       foods may or may not credit.                          consistent with the recommendations of
                                                AGENCY:  Food and Nutrition Service,                    DATES: To be assured of consideration,                the most recent Dietary Guidelines for
                                                USDA.                                                   written information must be submitted                 Americans (Dietary Guidelines) and
                                                ACTION: Request for information.                        or postmarked on or before February 12,               current nutrition research.
                                                                                                        2018.                                                   The Child Nutrition Programs’ meal
                                                SUMMARY:    The National School Lunch                   ADDRESSES: The Food and Nutrition                     patterns establish the foods and
                                                Program, School Breakfast Program,                      Service, USDA, invites the submission                 minimum serving sizes that must be
                                                Child and Adult Care Food Program,                      of the requested information through                  served for a meal or snack to be
                                                and Summer Food Service Program                         one of the following methods:                         reimbursable. The meal patterns are
                                                (Child Nutrition Programs), which are                     • Preferred method: Submit                          currently based on food groups
                                                administered by the United States                       information through the Federal                       (components), not individual nutrients.
                                                Department of Agriculture (USDA),                       eRulemaking Portal at http://                         A reimbursable meal or snack includes
                                                Food and Nutrition Service (FNS), play                  www.regulations.gov. Follow the online                a certain amount (or combination) of
                                                a critical role in ensuring that America’s              instructions for submissions.                         vegetables, fruits, fluid milk, grains, and
                                                children have access to the nutritious                    • Mail: Submissions should be                       meats or meat alternates (e.g., protein
                                                food they need to learn and succeed in                  addressed to Angela Kline, Director,                  foods, such as chicken, and dairy foods,
                                                the classroom, afterschool, and during                  Policy and Program Development, Child                 such as yogurt). Each Child Nutrition
                                                the summer. It is FNS’ responsibility to                Nutrition Programs, Food and Nutrition                Program has individualized meal
                                                establish and support the meal patterns                 Service, P.O. Box 66740, Saint Louis,                 patterns for the various age and grade
                                                and nutrition standards (collectively                   MO 63166–6740.                                        groups that participate in the Program.
                                                referred to as meal patterns) in the Child                 All information properly and timely                The meal patterns were created to
                                                Nutrition Programs that advance the                     submitted, using one of the two                       enable children to be self-sufficient by
                                                goals of providing nutritious and                       methods described above, in response to               providing the adequate and consistent
                                                satisfying meals to a broad population of               this Request for Information will be                  levels of foods and nutrients children
                                                children. At the same time, FNS works                   included in the record and will be made               need to learn and grow, as well as help
                                                to simplify the menu planning process                   available to the public on the internet at            children build healthy habits that can
                                                for Program operators to promote the                    http://www.regulations.gov. Please be                 last a lifetime.
                                                efficient use of Program funds and                      advised that the substance of the                     Crediting Methodology
                                                provide a wide variety of food choices                  information provided and the identity of
                                                to menu planners and children.                          the individuals or entities submitting it               Crediting is the process established by
                                                   In order to claim Federal                            will be subject to public disclosure.                 FNS to determine how individual foods
                                                reimbursement, Child Nutrition                                                                                contribute to the Child Nutrition
                                                                                                        FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Tina
                                                Program operators must serve meals and                                                                        Programs’ meal patterns. A food is
                                                                                                        Namian, Branch Chief, Policy and
                                                snacks that meet the minimum meal                                                                             considered creditable when it meets the
                                                                                                        Program Development, Child Nutrition
                                                pattern requirements of the respective                                                                        minimum standards that count toward a
                                                                                                        Programs, Food and Nutrition Service at
                                                Program. Crediting is the process                                                                             reimbursable meal or snack. Generally,
                                                                                                        (703) 305–2590.
                                                designed by FNS to specify how                                                                                this means foods are grouped into
                                                                                                        SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:                            categories of similar foods which are
                                                individual food items contribute to the
                                                Child Nutrition Programs’ meal                                                                                credited in a similar way.
sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with NOTICES




                                                                                                        I. Background
                                                patterns. Several factors impact how                                                                            The main focus of FNS’ crediting
                                                food products can credit toward                         Child Nutrition Programs’ Nutrition                   system is to provide simple information
                                                reimbursable meals, such as volume,                     Standards                                             that allows Child Nutrition Program
                                                weight, and overall nutrient profile.                     One of the United States Department                 operators to (1) easily plan menus with
                                                   The purpose of this Request for                      of Agriculture (USDA), Food and                       foods and quantities that meet the meal
                                                Information is to help FNS gather                       Nutrition Service’s (FNS) highest                     patterns, and (2) offer foods in a way
                                                feedback from a wide variety of                         priorities is to ensure that participants             that encourages healthy habits and


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                                                                          Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 239 / Thursday, December 14, 2017 / Notices                                           58793

                                                teaches children how to build balanced                    FNS also considers the customary use                credits at twice the volume served and
                                                meals. Crediting information is                         of a product. For example, some foods                 raw, leafy greens credit as half the
                                                conveyed through resources such as                      are typically consumed as a snack food                volume served. Additionally, tomato
                                                FNS’ Food Buying Guide for Child                        and have not been considered                          puree and tomato paste credit as if they
                                                Nutrition Programs and other technical                  appropriate for including as part of a                were reconstituted, instead of as volume
                                                assistance materials.                                   meal in the Child Nutrition Programs.                 served.
                                                   A number of factors impact how foods                 Therefore, they are currently not                       1. Is it appropriate to continue to
                                                credit toward a reimbursable meal. It is                creditable. This is discussed more in                 credit foods based on the volume or
                                                critical that crediting decisions be made               section II. Questions and Answers.                    weight served, with the few exceptions
                                                on the fullest range of factors possible                Finally, FNS considers the role of the                discussed above? Why or why not?
                                                to ensure transparency and consistency                  Child Nutrition Program in teaching                     2. What are the benefits and negative
                                                in the crediting process. The overall                   children healthy eating habits when                   impacts of having different crediting
                                                nutrient profile of a food is a primary                 making crediting decisions.                           values for different forms of vegetables
                                                consideration. Foods in each food                                                                             and fruits?
                                                                                                        Purpose and Scope                                       • Overall nutrient profile. Foods in
                                                component are based on a range of
                                                                                                           FNS’ objective in issuing this Request             each component are based on a range of
                                                nutrients instead of an individual food’s
                                                                                                        for Information is to receive input from              nutrients instead of an individual food’s
                                                nutrient profile. For example, foods in
                                                                                                        a broad spectrum of stakeholders to                   nutrient profile. For example, foods in
                                                the meats/meat alternates component
                                                                                                        assist FNS in making informed                         the meats/meat alternates component
                                                are grouped based on a collection of
                                                                                                        decisions on how FNS’ crediting system                are grouped based on a collection of
                                                nutrients that include protein, B
                                                                                                        can best address today’s evolving food                nutrients that include protein, B
                                                vitamins, selenium, choline,
                                                                                                        and nutrition environment, ensure                     vitamins, selenium, choline,
                                                phosphorus, zinc, and copper.
                                                                                                        children have access to the nutrition                 phosphorus, zinc, copper, and vitamins
                                                Therefore, different varieties of meat
                                                                                                        they need, and offer excellent customer               D and E. Generally, FNS has not
                                                (e.g., lean beef versus turkey) are not
                                                                                                        service to those operating and                        considered fortification in the
                                                currently evaluated separately based on
                                                                                                        benefitting from the Child Nutrition                  creditability of foods.
                                                their protein content. The volume or                                                                            3. Should fortification play a role in
                                                weight of the food is also an important                 Programs. It is important that FNS’
                                                                                                        crediting system balances the                         determining if and how a food is
                                                factor in making crediting                                                                                    credited in the Child Nutrition
                                                determinations. All meats/meat                          nutritional needs of the Child Nutrition
                                                                                                        Programs’ participants, as recommended                Programs? Why or why not?
                                                alternates and grains are credited in                                                                           4. Is the presence of certain nutrients
                                                ounces equivalencies. Fruits, vegetables,               by the Dietary Guidelines, and the need
                                                                                                        to offer flexibility and a wide range of              more important than other nutrients
                                                and fluid milk are credited based on                                                                          when determining if and how a food
                                                volume served.                                          choices. FNS recognizes that new or
                                                                                                        reformulated food products are regularly              credits in the Child Nutrition Programs?
                                                   In addition, foods that credit toward                                                                      Why or why not?
                                                                                                        entering the food market. These new or
                                                a reimbursable meal in the Child                                                                                • Federal standards of identity and
                                                Nutrition Programs sometimes have a                     reformulated food products can offer
                                                                                                                                                              industry standards of production. Many
                                                Federal standard of identity. Standards                 more choices to menu planners and
                                                                                                                                                              creditable food products in the Child
                                                of identity are established by the U.S.                 children.
                                                                                                                                                              Nutrition Programs have Federal
                                                Food and Drug Administration (FDA)                         FNS is especially interested in
                                                                                                                                                              standards of identity or industry
                                                and the USDA Food Safety and                            understanding both the possible benefits
                                                                                                                                                              standards for production. Standards of
                                                Inspection Service (FSIS). They are                     and any negative impacts associated
                                                                                                                                                              identity assist FNS in crediting because
                                                mandatory requirements that determine                   with potential changes to how certain
                                                                                                                                                              they ensure food products with the
                                                what a food must contain to be                          foods may or may not credit. As such,
                                                                                                                                                              same name have the same
                                                marketed under a certain name. For                      FNS is seeking feedback from all
                                                                                                                                                              characteristics and, therefore, make a
                                                example, for a product to be labeled                    interested stakeholders on the questions
                                                                                                                                                              consistent contribution to the meal
                                                peanut butter, it must meet the standard                listed below. Some questions address
                                                                                                                                                              patterns.
                                                of identity requirements that specify the               specific foods due to a high volume of                  5. If a food product does not have a
                                                amount and type of ingredients that may                 interest in those products. However,                  Federal standard of identity or industry
                                                be included. Standards of identity assist               FNS is open to feedback about the                     standards for production, how could
                                                FNS in crediting because they provide                   creditability of other food products as               these food products credit in the Child
                                                a common standard under which                           well (see Questions 20–25) and                        Nutrition Programs? Please be as
                                                specific foods are made. This allows                    crediting process in general.                         specific as possible.
                                                FNS to set crediting policy with                        Additionally, while all comments are                    • Customary use of the food product.
                                                confidence that products from all                       welcome, FNS is particularly interested               Some foods are generally consumed as
                                                manufacturers will have the same                        in comments that are consistent with                  snacks and, therefore, have not been
                                                characteristics and, thus, make a                       the current statutory framework for the               considered appropriate for service in the
                                                consistent contribution to the meal                     Child Nutrition Programs.                             Child Nutrition Programs. In other
                                                patterns. There are some products on                    II. Questions                                         cases, the volume of food required to
                                                the commercial market that do not have                                                                        meet the minimum serving size would
                                                an FDA or FSIS standard of identity, but                Factors To Determine Crediting                        be unreasonably large. In other cases,
                                                have industry-defined standards. FNS                      FNS currently considers the following               such products do credit. For example,
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                                                first considers Federal standards of                    factors when making crediting                         tortillas and tortilla products, such as
                                                identity when making crediting                          decisions:                                            taco shells, may credit as a grain item
                                                decisions. When a Federal standard of                     • Volume or weight of the food. All                 in the Child Nutrition Programs because
                                                identity does not exist, then FNS may                   meats/meat alternates and grains are                  in certain cultures they are served as the
                                                use industry standards for production to                credited in ounces. Fruits, vegetables,               grain component of a meal. (Please see
                                                better understand the manufacturing                     and fluid milk are credited based on                  below for more information about
                                                process.                                                volume served. However, dried fruit                   snack-type foods.)


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                                                58794                     Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 239 / Thursday, December 14, 2017 / Notices

                                                   6. Is it appropriate to continue to                  an FDA standard of identity and there                 would be beneficial to allow a lesser
                                                consider the customary use of a product                 is a wide variety of industry standards               volume of high protein yogurt to credit
                                                when determining how a food credits in                  for production. Additionally, foods                   toward the meat/meat alternate
                                                the Child Nutrition Programs? Why or                    labeled as ‘‘imitation’’ may have                     component compared to traditional
                                                why not?                                                significantly different nutrition profiles            yogurt. The rationale for this request
                                                   • The role of the Child Nutrition                    than the foods they are meant to replace.             was that high protein yogurt contains a
                                                Program in teaching children healthy                    To assist reviewers in adequately                     higher level of protein per ounce versus
                                                eating habits. Meals and snacks served                  compiling public feedback, please                     traditional yogurt. Currently, crediting
                                                in the Child Nutrition Programs act as                  provide separate comments on dried                    has not been based on an individual
                                                a teaching tool for children by visually                meat/poultry/seafood snacks, and                      food’s nutrient profile, or any one
                                                demonstrating how to build a healthy,                   imitation crab.                                       nutrient. That is, the contribution of a
                                                balanced meal with the key food groups                     10. Are Child Nutrition Program                    food towards the meat/meat alternate
                                                and amounts recommended by the                          operators currently offering any of these             requirement is not based solely on the
                                                Dietary Guidelines. For example,                        foods as an extra item that does not                  grams of protein. For example, different
                                                although pasta made from lentils has a                  contribute to the Child Nutrition                     varieties of meat (e.g., lean beef versus
                                                standard of identity and may be used in                 Programs’ meal patterns? If so, which                 turkey) are not evaluated separately
                                                all Child Nutrition Programs, in order                  ones?                                                 based on their protein content.
                                                for the pasta to credit as a vegetable, it                 10a. If yes, how are they being served                15. Are Child Nutrition Program
                                                must be served with another vegetable,                  (e.g., as an extra component at snack)                operators currently offering high protein
                                                such as broccoli or tomato sauce, to help               and how often?                                        yogurt as part of a reimbursable meal?
                                                children recognize the vegetable                           11. Should FNS allow any of these                     16. Should FNS create a separate
                                                component. Likewise, lentil pasta can                   foods to contribute to the Child                      crediting standard for high protein
                                                credit as a meat alternate if it is served              Nutrition Programs’ meal patterns? Why                yogurt that is different than the
                                                with another meat/meat alternate, such                  or why not?                                           crediting standard for traditional yogurt
                                                as chicken or black beans.                                 12. If any of these foods are allowed              for the Child Nutrition Programs? Why
                                                   7. What role should such educational                 to contribute to the Child Nutrition                  or why not?
                                                considerations play in determining the                  Programs’ meal patterns, how should                      17. If high protein yogurt is allowed
                                                creditability of a food in the Child                    they be credited? Be as specific as                   to contribute differently to the Child
                                                Nutrition Programs?                                     possible, such as the volume or weight                Nutrition Programs’ meal patterns than
                                                   8. Are there other factors FNS should                needed, or a specific nutrient content.               traditional yogurt, how should high
                                                consider in determining how foods                          12a. Is there an ingredient or                     protein yogurt be credited? Be as
                                                credit in the Child Nutrition Programs?                 processing method that would qualify or               specific as possible, such as the volume
                                                Why or why not?                                         disqualify these products?                            or weight needed.
                                                   9. Are there additional ways FNS can                    13. If any of these foods are allowed                 17a. Is there an ingredient or
                                                make the crediting process more simple,                 to contribute to the Child Nutrition                  processing method that could qualify or
                                                fair, or transparent? Please be as specific             Programs’ meal patterns, would Child                  disqualify a particular yogurt from
                                                as possible.                                            Nutrition Program operators incorporate               crediting in the Child Nutrition
                                                Foods From the Meat/Meat Alternate                      these foods into menus to meet the                    Programs (e.g., a particular thickening
                                                Component                                               meats/meat alternates requirement?                    agent could disqualify a high protein
                                                                                                        Why or why not?                                       yogurt)?
                                                   Shelf-stable, Dried or Semi-dried                       13a. If yes, how would they be served                 18. If high protein yogurt is allowed
                                                Meat, Poultry, and Seafood Snacks, and                  (e.g., at snack, as part of a reimbursable            to contribute differently to the Child
                                                Surimi: Currently, shelf stable, dried                  lunch)?                                               Nutrition Programs’ meal patterns than
                                                and semi-dried meat, poultry, and                          14. If any of these foods are allowed              traditional yogurt, would Child
                                                seafood products, such as beef jerky or                 to contribute to the Child Nutrition                  Nutrition Program operators take
                                                summer sausage, (collectively referred                  Programs’ meal patterns, how would                    advantage of using it to meet the meats/
                                                to as dried meat/poultry/seafood snacks)                this impact the Child Nutrition                       meat alternates requirement? Why or
                                                currently do not credit towards the                     Programs, including its participants and              why not?
                                                Child Nutrition Programs’ meal                          operators? What are the potential                        18a. If yes, how would Child
                                                patterns. These foods have a Federal                    benefits and negative impacts?                        Nutrition Program operators serve it
                                                standard of identity that varies widely,                   Yogurt: Yogurt may be used to meet                 (e.g., at snack, as part of a reimbursable
                                                there is a wide variety of industry                     all or part of the meats/meat alternates              lunch)?
                                                standards for production, and they are                  component. It may be plain or flavored,                  19. If high protein yogurt is allowed
                                                typically seen as snack-type foods.                     unsweetened or sweetened, traditional                 to contribute differently to the Child
                                                However, FNS understands these                          (non-strained or non-thickened) or                    Nutrition Programs’ meal patterns than
                                                products may be appealing to some                       Greek or Greek-style (high protein,                   traditional yogurt, how would this
                                                Child Nutrition Program operators                       strained or thickened). Four ounces                   impact the Child Nutrition Programs,
                                                because dried meat/poultry/seafood                      (weight) or 1⁄2 cup (volume) of                       including its participants and operators,
                                                snacks are shelf stable, work well with                 traditional or high protein yogurt is                 as well as food manufacturers? What are
                                                alternative meal delivery methods, such                 credited as one ounce equivalent of                   the potential benefits and negative
                                                as breakfast in the classroom and                       meat alternate. This crediting was based              impacts?
                                                lunches for field trips, and provide more               on public comment (62 FR 10187, April
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                                                choices to menu planners and children.                  1997) and acknowledges the relatively                 Other Foods Not Currently Creditable
                                                Similarly, surimi, which is whitefish                   low levels of iron and niacin in yogurt                 In the past, FNS has chosen not to
                                                that is processed to resemble more                      compared to other foods from the meats/               credit a small number of other foods in
                                                expensive seafood and labeled as                        meat alternates component. Since then,                the Child Nutrition Programs because
                                                ‘‘imitation,’’ such as imitation crab, does             high protein yogurt has increased in                  these foods do not meet the requirement
                                                not credit towards the Child Nutrition                  popularity and availability. As such,                 for any food component in the Child
                                                Programs’ meal patterns. Surimi lacks                   FNS was asked to consider whether it                  Nutrition Programs’ meal patterns. For


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                                                                          Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 239 / Thursday, December 14, 2017 / Notices                                                58795

                                                various reasons this has occurred,                      essential to enabling FNS to provide                     The components and materials
                                                including being considered snack-type                   first rate customer service to those we               sourced from abroad include electrolytic
                                                foods, lacking a standard of identity, or               serve.                                                manganese flakes, chromium powder,
                                                because the volume of food required to                    Dated: December 7, 2017.                            and chromium waste (duty rate ranges
                                                meet the minimum serving size would                     Brandon Lipps,
                                                                                                                                                              from duty-free to 14%).
                                                be unreasonably large. For example,                                                                              Public comment is invited from
                                                                                                        Administrator, Food and Nutrition Service.
                                                foods such as popcorn, vegetable chips                                                                        interested parties. Submissions shall be
                                                (does not include chips made from grain                 [FR Doc. 2017–26979 Filed 12–13–17; 8:45 am]          addressed to the Board’s Executive
                                                such as tortilla chips), bacon, and                     BILLING CODE 3410–30–P                                Secretary at the address below. The
                                                tempeh are currently not creditable for                                                                       closing period for their receipt is
                                                the aforementioned reasons. A list of                                                                         January 23, 2018.
                                                various foods that do not currently                     DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE                                   A copy of the notification will be
                                                credit in the Child Nutrition Programs is                                                                     available for public inspection at the
                                                available in FNS’ Food Buying Guide for                 Foreign-Trade Zones Board                             Office of the Executive Secretary,
                                                Child Nutrition Programs under ‘‘Other                                                                        Foreign-Trade Zones Board, Room
                                                Foods’’ (see https://fns.usda.gov/sites/                [B–77–2017]                                           21013, U.S. Department of Commerce,
                                                default/files/tn/fbg-section5-other.pdf).                                                                     1401 Constitution Avenue NW,
                                                Comments on any foods currently not                     Foreign-Trade Zone (FTZ) 158—                         Washington, DC 20230–0002, and in the
                                                creditable in the Child Nutrition                       Jackson, Mississippi; Notification of                 ‘‘Reading Room’’ section of the Board’s
                                                Programs are welcome, using the                         Proposed Production Activity; Traxys                  website, which is accessible via
                                                following questions as a guide.                         Cometals Processing, Inc. (Manganese                  www.trade.gov/ftz.
                                                   20. Are Child Nutrition Program                      and Aluminum Alloying Agents);                           For further information, contact
                                                operators currently offering any of these               Burnsville, Mississippi                               Christopher Wedderburn at
                                                foods as an extra item that does not                       Traxys Cometals Processing, Inc.                   Chris.Wedderburn@trade.gov or (202)
                                                contribute to the Child Nutrition                       (Traxys Cometals), submitted a                        482–1963.
                                                Programs’ meal patterns? If so, which                   notification of proposed production                     Dated: December 11, 2017.
                                                ones?                                                   activity to the FTZ Board for its facility            Andrew McGilvray,
                                                   21. Should FNS allow any of these                    in Burnsville, Mississippi. The                       Executive Secretary.
                                                foods to contribute to the Child                        notification conforming to the                        [FR Doc. 2017–26970 Filed 12–13–17; 8:45 am]
                                                Nutrition Programs’ meal patterns? Why                  requirements of the regulations of the
                                                or why not? If so, which ones?                                                                                BILLING CODE 3510–DS–P
                                                                                                        FTZ Board (15 CFR 400.22) was
                                                   22. If any of these foods are allowed
                                                                                                        received on November 27, 2017.
                                                to contribute to the Child Nutrition
                                                                                                           The applicant indicates that it will be            DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
                                                Programs’ meal patterns, how should
                                                                                                        submitting a separate application for
                                                they be credited? Be as specific as
                                                                                                        FTZ designation at the Traxys Cometals                National Oceanic and Atmospheric
                                                possible, such as the volume or weight
                                                                                                        facility under FTZ 158. The facility will             Administration
                                                needed, or a specific nutrient content.
                                                   22a. Is there an ingredient, processing              be used to produce high-grade                         RIN 0648–XF884
                                                method, or nutrient standard (e.g.,                     manganese and aluminum alloying
                                                sodium content) that should qualify or                  agents to be supplied to steel and                    Pacific Fishery Management Council;
                                                disqualify any of these foods?                          aluminum production plants. Pursuant                  Public Meeting (Webinar)
                                                   23. If any of these foods are allowed                to 15 CFR 400.14(b), FTZ activity would
                                                                                                        be limited to the specific foreign-status             AGENCY:  National Marine Fisheries
                                                to contribute to the Child Nutrition                                                                          Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and
                                                Programs’ meal patterns, would Child                    materials and components and specific
                                                                                                        finished products described in the                    Atmospheric Administration (NOAA),
                                                Nutrition Program operators incorporate                                                                       Commerce.
                                                them into menus to meet the Child                       submitted notification (as described
                                                                                                        below) and subsequently authorized by                 ACTION: Notice of public meeting
                                                Nutrition Programs’ meal patterns? Why
                                                                                                        the FTZ Board.                                        (webinar).
                                                or why not?
                                                   23a. If yes, how would they be served                   Production under FTZ procedures
                                                                                                                                                              SUMMARY:   The Pacific Fishery
                                                (e.g., as part of a reimbursable snack)?                could exempt Traxys Cometals from
                                                                                                                                                              Management Council’s (Pacific Council)
                                                   24. If any of these foods are allowed                customs duty payments on the foreign-
                                                                                                                                                              will host the Area 2A Pacific Halibut
                                                to contribute to the Child Nutrition                    status components used in export
                                                                                                                                                              Managers Coordination Meeting via
                                                Programs’ meal patterns, how would                      production. On its domestic sales, for
                                                                                                                                                              webinar. The meeting is open to the
                                                this impact the Child Nutrition                         the foreign-status materials/components
                                                                                                                                                              public.
                                                Programs, including its participants and                noted below, Traxys Cometals would be
                                                operators, as well as food                              able to choose the duty rates during                  DATES: The webinar meeting will be
                                                manufacturers? What are the potential                   customs entry procedures that apply to                held on Wednesday, January 3, 2018,
                                                benefits and negative impacts?                          carbon-free manganese briquettes, low-                from 10 a.m. until business for the day
                                                   25. Are there additional products not                carbon manganese briquettes,                          has been completed.
                                                mentioned in this request for                           manganese powder, MnAl (manganese/                    ADDRESSES: The meeting will be held
                                                information that are currently not                      aluminum) briquettes, and CrAl                        via webinar. A public listening station
                                                                                                        (chromium/aluminum) briquettes (duty                  is available at the Pacific Council office
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                                                creditable, but you would wish to
                                                provide comments on? Please be as                       rate ranges from 1.4% to 14%). Traxys                 (address below). To attend the webinar
                                                specific as possible.                                   Cometals would be able to avoid duty                  (1) join the meeting by visiting this link
                                                   FNS appreciates your thoughtful and                  on foreign-status components which                    https://www.gotomeeting.com/webinar
                                                responsive comments. FNS welcomes                       become scrap/waste. Customs duties                    and selecting ‘join a webinar’ in the
                                                comments from all interested                            also could possibly be deferred or                    upper right corner (2) enter the Webinar
                                                stakeholders and will consider all of                   reduced on foreign-status production                  ID: 793–330–227, and (3) enter your
                                                them carefully. Your comments are                       equipment.                                            name and email address (required).


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Document Created: 2018-10-25 10:51:48
Document Modified: 2018-10-25 10:51:48
CategoryRegulatory Information
CollectionFederal Register
sudoc ClassAE 2.7:
GS 4.107:
AE 2.106:
PublisherOffice of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration
SectionNotices
ActionRequest for information.
DatesTo be assured of consideration, written information must be submitted or postmarked on or before February 12, 2018.
ContactTina Namian, Branch Chief, Policy and Program Development, Child Nutrition Programs, Food and Nutrition Service at (703) 305-2590.
FR Citation82 FR 58792 

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