June 28, 1999

USDA is encouraging state agencies that administer child nutrition programs to work with local school districts to offer alternatives to milk for children who are lactose intolerant. The incidents of lactose intolerance are much greater among non-Caucasians. Lactose-free milk is an alternative.

Federal regulations encourage schools to provide a selection of foods and types of milk from which children may choose to encourage consumption and participation. State agencies are allowed and encouraged to promote the purchase of alternative types of milk, such as lactose-free milk, when appropriate but are not required to offer the alternatives unless a doctor declares it a special need.

Under Secretary Shirley Watkins wrote to state child nutrition program directors urging them to offer lactose-free milk to address the concerns that some children may risk health problems by drinking regular milk. Lactose-intolerant children also may not drink milk and risk missing the essential nutrients to diets and risking other health problems.