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Nutrition Programs

Cheese "Product" Not Creditable

School food authorities are encouraged to consult the Food Buying Guide for Child Nutrition Programs to determine if cheese items are creditable components of a reimbursable meal.  The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) informed our office that the name on several KRAFT® cheese spreads and cheese foods has changed to pasteurized prepared cheese product.

Pasteurized prepared cheese product is not creditable for any food-based menu planning approach for the Child Nutrition Programs.  Cheese product has never been a creditable ingredient in the Child Nutrition Programs.  In addition, any cheese items containing the word product in the name are not creditable for food-based meal pattern requirements.

Cheese spread and cheese foods are creditable as shown in the Food Buying Guide for Child Nutrition Programs.  Please be sure to consult this guide to help determine creditable and non-creditable food items when planning menus.