US agriculture officials have proposed new nutrition standards for school meals, including the first limits on added sugars in sweetened foods such as cereals, yogurt, flavored milk, and pastries. The plan, which seeks to decrease sodium in school meals and align with US dietary guidelines, will be phased in over the next six years. The first limits on added sugars would be in place for the 2025-2026 school year, with added sugars limited to less than 10% of total calories per week by 2027.

Sodium in school meals would be reduced by 30% by 2029, with levels gradually decreased to align with federal guidelines. The plan has drawn mixed reactions, with some health experts claiming it will help decrease the risk of disease in kids, while others say the regulations are a burden on school meal programs.

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