Mass. Expected To Approve Strict New School Nutrition Standards
BOSTON (AP) -- Massachusetts health officials are set to approve new school nutrition standards that supporters say could be some of the toughest in the country and will help combat childhood obesity.
The state's Public Health Council is scheduled to meet Wednesday to consider guidelines that would limit foods students can buy during school hours.
The proposed regulations ban sugared drinks and foods made with artificial sweeteners and require schools to provide nutritional information. They also limit the amount of fats and salt allowed in foods.
Related: Local Experts Propose That Parents Should Lose Custody Of Super Obese Kids
The regulations would apply to all food sold or provided at school a la carte lines, vending machines, school stores, events and fundraisers during the school day.
A recent study ranked Massachusetts the fourth least obese state with an adult obesity rate of 22.3 percent.
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