April 21, 2003

TO: Child and Adult Care Food Program Sponsors

RE: Baby Foods with DHA not Creditable

Baby foods with DHA added are not creditable on the Child and Adult Care Food Program. DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) is an omega-3 fatty acid that is added to some commercially prepared fruits and vegetables.

Some lines of baby food products, such as Beech-Nut First Advantage Sweet Potato Souffle or Tropical Blend, contain DHA derived from egg yolk. These products combine fruits or vegetables with dried egg yolk, heavy cream, rice flour, vanilla extract, and other ingredients. Although these products are not labeled or marketed as desserts, they contain similar ingredients that may not be appropriate for infants younger than 8 months of age. Introducing these ingredients in an infant's diet at an earlier age could result in food sensitivity or a food allergy.

Although DHA-added products do not credit in the infant meal pattern, sponsors may serve them as additional foods for infants 8 months of age or older. Since they contain several ingredients, additives or extenders that could cause allergic reactions, we recommend that the center, provider or school consult with the infant's parent or guardian before serving.