Connecticut governor 'not supportive' of school chocolate milk ban

By Mark ASTLEY

- Last updated on GMT

Related tags Chocolate milk Milk

Connecticut governor 'not supportive' of school chocolate milk ban
The Governor of Connecticut has vowed not to sign a bill passed by state lawmakers that would inadvertently ban chocolate milk from school lunchrooms.

Alongside scores of "minor revisions to the education statutes"​ Bill 5566, which passed through the State of Connecticut General Assembly's house and senate without opposition earlier this month, included a ban on the addition of sodium in milk.

“Low-fat milk or skimmed milk that may be flavored but contains no artificial sweeteners, non-nutritive sweetening agents, sugar alcohols, added sodium and no more than four grams of sugar per ounce,"​ it said.

Per 100ml, US chocolate milk products typically contain 60mg of sodium, according to the US Department of Agriculture (USDA).

If signed into law, this amendment would likely lead to a decline it milk consumption in schools across the state.

Governor Dannel Malloy has vowed, however, not to sign any bill that bans the availability of chocolate milk in schools.

“This specific bill has not yet come to the Governor’s desk and will be reviewed in detail when it arrives. However, on the broader topic at hand, the Governor is not supportive of banning chocolate milk in public schools,"​ said a statement issued by the Governor's office.

"We must be extremely mindful of the nutritional value of what’s offered to students, ensuring an appropriate array of options helps to ensure that kids receive the calcium and other nutrients they need,”​ it added.

Related news