House rolls back school nutrition standards

The House is moving forward with legislation that would scale back school nutrition standards.

The Hill reports that on Tuesday, "An Appropriations subpanel approved language that would require the Agriculture Department to waive requirements to serve fruits, vegetables, and low-sodium and low-fat foods for schools that can show their lunch programs are losing money."

The House justified the move by arguing that some schools are suffering budgetary losses because of the unreasonable nutrion demands.

The decision already has its detractors. United Fresh President and CEO Tom Stenzel issued a statement on Tuesday in response,

"Members of the House Agriculture Appropriations Subcommittee who voted today to roll back school meal nutrition standards that benefit the health of millions of American children should be embarrassed," Stenzel says. "We are disappointed in the vote to move the bill out of subcommittee, but are pleased that so many members raised strong objections to this provision, and will continue to fight any rollback that jeopardizes children’s health."