New Regulations For 'Competitive Foods' In Schools

11:26

August 03, 2010

Deputy Adminstrator Audrey Rowe enjoys lunch with third graders. (USDAGov/Flickr)

School meals are pretty heavily regulated by the federal government, but more and more kids have been getting food from machines or school stores — and those aren't regulated at all. At least, not until now. The law now directs the state Department of Public Health to develop regulations for what administrators call "competitive foods."

So now, public health officials have to decide: Should things like soda and candy bars be allowed in our schools at all?

Guests:

Dr. Lauren Smith, medical director for the Massachusetts Department of Public Health
Valerie Bassett, executive director of the Massachusetts Public Health Association