K-12 Documentation
On this page you will find Child Nutrition (CN) Labels, Product Formulation Statements (PFS) and Buy American Letters.
According to the USDA, schools are required to keep documentation on file for two types of items:
Child Nutrition (CN) labeled items
Items that may contain a CN label include:
Main dishes that contribute to the meat/meat alternate component of the meal pattern
Processed items that contribute to the meal pattern but are not CN labeled
A Product Formulation Statement (PFS) is required for these items
PFS: signed statement on manufacturer’s letterhead, demonstrates how the product contributes to meal pattern requirements
The USDA encourages schools to obtain documentation directly off the package whenever possible. In the event that you are unable to obtain adequate information from the packaging, Gordon Food Service has collected CN labels and PFSs directly from the manufacturer for your reference.
According to the USDA
The CN Label is the gold standard for verifying the crediting of menu items and provides a warranty against audit claims when the product is used according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Acceptable and valid documentation for the CN Label includes:
1) the original CN Label from the product carton; or
2) a photocopy of the CN Label shown attached to the original product carton; or
3) a photograph of the CN Label shown attached to the original product carton. (CN Labels that are photocopied or photographed must be visible and legible.)
Documenting Watermarked CN Label Requirements
If the original CN Label from the product carton, or the valid photograph or photocopy of the original CN label is not available, program operators may provide the Bill of Lading (invoice) containing the product name and:
1) a hard copy of the CN Label copied with a watermark displaying the product name and CN number provided by the vendor; or
2) an electronic copy of the CN Label with a watermark displaying the product name and CN number provided by the vendor.