USA – Two dairy associations have welcomed The Child Nutrition Improvement and Integrity Act, which updates child nutrition programmes, particularly the role milk has to play in children’s diets.

Both the International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) and the National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) welcomed the bill, which gives schools the flexibility to offer all varieties of milk, including flavoured and lactose-free varieties, at lunch time.

“We commend the congressmen for keeping milk right where it should be, at the centre of this important nutritional programme for our nation’s children,” said IDFA president Connie Tipton.

The allowance for the sale of lactose-free milk was a particular boost, as the industry believes it will help expand milk’s appeal to those with special dietary requirements.