Healthy lunch regs facing new delays

Michelle Obama’s prized healthy lunch requirements are facing new delays.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), which is responsible for implementing healthy meal programs, is pushing back new meal pattern requirements for child care facilities.

The USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service proposed the new dietary guidelines in January, but said Friday it is extending the comment period to give stakeholders more time to consider the new rules.

The meal requirements are intended to improve the nutrition and health of children in day care facilities.

“Implementation of this proposed rule would serve as a step towards more nutritious meals that improve the dietary habits of (children),” the agency wrote.

The public now has an additional 30 days to comment.

—This story was updated to reflect that the lunch regulations apply to child care facilities.