Product Formulation Statements
A product formulation statement (PFS) is a document developed by manufacturers that provides specific information about how a commercial processed product credits toward the USDA’s meal patterns for the Child Nutrition Programs. PFS forms generally include a detailed explanation of what the product contains and indicate the amount of each ingredient in the product by weight. Unlike Child Nutrition (CN) labels, the USDA does not review, approve, or monitor PFS forms.
A PFS is required for all commercial processed products without a CN label that are not listed in the USDA’s Food Buying Guide for Child Nutrition Programs. Sponsors of the Child Nutrition Programs (CNPs) are responsible for verifying that the calculations and meal pattern contribution statement on a manufacturer’s PFS are accurate. Prior to purchasing, serving, and claiming the product in reimbursable meals and snacks, CNP sponsors must review the PFS to ensure it includes each required element and that the crediting calculations are correct. If any information is missing or incorrect, the CNP sponsor must request a revised PFS from the manufacturer, with supporting documentation if needed.
The resources below provide PFS guidance and the USDA's PFS forms for the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP), school nutrition programs, and Summer Food Service Program (SFSP). The PFS forms are different due to the different meal pattern requirements for each program.
PFS for CACFP | PFS for School Nutrition Programs | PFS for SFSP
PFS for CACFP
General Guidance
- Overview: Using Product Formulation Statements in the CACFP (CSDE)
- CSDE Guide: Guide to Menu Documentation for the CACFP (CSDE): Section 7: Product Formulation Statements
- CN Labeling and PFS Guidance for Food Manufacturers/Industry (USDA webpage)
- Reviewer’s Checklist for Evaluating Manufacturer Product Formulation Statements for Meat/Meat Alternates (USDA)
- Tips for Evaluating a Manufacturer's Product Formulation Statement (USDA)
- USDA Memo SP 05-2025, CACFP 04-2025, and SFSP 02-2025: Guidance for Accepting Processed Product Documentation for Meal Pattern Requirements
- When Commercial Grain Products Require a Product Formulation Statement to Credit in the CACFP (CSDE)
USDA PFS Forms for CACFP
- Grains: Product Formulation Statement for Documenting Grains in the Child Nutrition Programs (USDA)
- Completed Sample PFS: Grains Oz Eq (USDA)
- Meats/Meat Alternates: Product Formulation Statement (Product Analysis) for Meat/Meat Alternate (M/MA) Products in Child Nutrition Programs (USDA)
- Vegetables and Fruits: Product Formulation Statement for Documenting Vegetables and Fruits in the Child and Adult Care Food Program, Summer Food Service Program, and NSLP Afterschool Snacks (USDA)
PFS for School Nutrition Programs
General Guidance
- Overview: Using Product Formulation Statements in the School Nutrition Programs (CSDE)
- CSDE Guide: Guide to Menu Documentation for the School Nutrition Programs (CSDE): Section 7: Product Formulation Statements
- CN Labeling and PFS Guidance for Food Manufacturers/Industry (USDA webpage)
- Reviewer’s Checklist for Evaluating Manufacturer Product Formulation Statements for Meat/Meat Alternates (USDA)
- Tips for Evaluating a Manufacturer's Product Formulation Statement (USDA)
- USDA Memo SP 05-2025, CACFP 04-2025, and SFSP 02-2025: Guidance for Accepting Processed Product Documentation for Meal Pattern Requirements
- When Commercial Grain Products Require a Product Formulation Statement to Credit in the School Nutrition Programs (CSDE)
USDA PFS Forms for School Nutrition Programs
- Grains: Product Formulation Statement for Documenting Grains in the Child Nutrition Programs (USDA)
- Completed Sample PFS: Grains Oz Eq (USDA)
- Meats/Meat Alternates: Product Formulation Statement (Product Analysis) for Meat/Meat Alternate (M/MA) Products in Child Nutrition Programs (USDA)
- Vegetables and Fruits for School Meals: Product Formulation Statement for Documenting Vegetables and Fruits in School Meal Programs (USDA)
- Completed Sample PFS: Vegetables (USDA)
- Completed Sample PFS: Fruits (USDA)
- Vegetables/Fruits for the ASP: Product Formulation Statement for Documenting Vegetables and Fruits in the Child and Adult Care Food Program, Summer Food Service Program, and NSLP Afterschool Snacks (USDA)
PFS for SFSP
General Guidance
- Overview: Using Product Formulation Statements in the SFSP (CSDE)
- CN Labeling and PFS Guidance for Food Manufacturers/Industry (USDA webpage)
- Reviewer’s Checklist for Evaluating Manufacturer Product Formulation Statements for Meat/Meat Alternates (USDA)
- Tips for Evaluating a Manufacturer's Product Formulation Statement (USDA)
- USDA Memo SP 05-2025, CACFP 04-2025, and SFSP 02-2025: Guidance for Accepting Processed Product Documentation for Meal Pattern Requirements
- When Commercial Grain Products Require a Product Formulation Statement to Credit in the SFSP (CSDE)
USDA PFS Forms for SFSP
- Grains/Breads: Product Formulation Statement for Documenting Grains/Breads Servings in the Child and Adult Care Food Program, Summer Food Service Program, and NSLP Afterschool Snacks (USDA)
- Meats/Meat Alternates: Product Formulation Statement (Product Analysis) for Meat/Meat Alternate (M/MA) Products in Child Nutrition Programs (USDA)
- Vegetables and Fruits: Product Formulation Statement for Documenting Vegetables and Fruits in the Child and Adult Care Food Program, Summer Food Service Program, and NSLP Afterschool Snacks (USDA)
Training
- FBG Module 3: Product Formulation Statement (PFS) (ICN): Addresses CN labels and PFS
- Manufacturer's Product Formulation Statement: Is it Acceptable? (Institute of Child Nutrition and USDA)
- Slides for Manufacturer's Product Formulation Statement: Is it Acceptable? (Institute of Child Nutrition and USDA)
- What’s in a Meal: National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program Meal Patterns for Grades K-12 (CSDE)