000123 Soyburgers Expected to See More School UseJanuary 13, 2000Washington - Federally-subsidized school lunch programs are expected soon to substitute soy-based burgers for conventional beef patties, if the U.S. Department of Agriculture issues an expected early decision. The USDA is expected to issue a final ruling in March or earlier on whether to allow school lunchrooms to use the soyburgers under federal school lunch rules. Agriculture Department officials say they have received mostly positive responses to the proposal, following a period of public comment. “The veggie burger may finally have its day,” the Washington Post reported this week. At issue is whether USDA will eliminate a previous regulation requiring that soy products be used only as additives. Under that rule, soy products also were allowed only in amounts of 30% or less of the overall food product. Under the proposed new ruling, the limitation on soy as an additive and the 30% cap both would be repealed. School lunchrooms using federal funds thereafter would be permitted to freely substitute soyburgers for beef or other meats. The proposed change has been popularly received by both school and health officials. It is regarded as a new method to reduce heavy fat content that shows up in many student meals. The USDA decision is expected to come “probably within the next two months,” according to the Washington Post.
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