What Junk-Food Ban? Flamin’ Hot Cheetos Are Back in Campus Vending Machines

You’d probably have a tough time finding a health official who would claim that Flamin’ Hot Cheetos are a healthy choice for America’s obesity-plagued children. But thanks to some formula rejiggering by Frito-Lay, the spicy, red-orange cheese puffs now meet federal “Smart Snack” guidelines.

Indeed, a startling NPR report details how companies are able to reduce the amount of fat and salt and boost the amount of whole grains a snack contains in order to meet federal nutrition regulations that were rolled out by the Obama administration last year.

“The food industry can do anything to meet [new nutrition] standards, and this is a perfect example of that,” New York University nutrition professor Marion Nestle told the public radio outlet. “So this is a 'better-for-you’ junk food and, of course, the question is, is that a good choice? And no, of course, it’s not.”

Corporations are also receiving plenty of help getting their products onto campus. According to NPR, almost half of states have refused to follow the “Smart Snack” standards. And while some legislators have attempted to get Flamin’ Hot Cheetos and other junk foods banned from campuses, other state lawmakers believe that the health-oriented rules make it too difficult for cash-strapped schools to raise money through vending machines and bake sales. In Chicago, schools that sell Cheetos in vending machines get a 20 percent cut of the profits. Given that it’s estimated students spend about $2.3 billion on snacks and beverages in the nation’s schools every year, districts stand to make a decent chunk of change.

In a statement, Frito-Lay told NPR that “we offer a variety of Smart Snack compliant products in schools in portion-controlled sizes to suit a variety of tastes, including the Reduced Fat, Whole Grain Rich Flamin’ Hot Cheetos.”

The U.S. Department of Agriculture, which runs the “Smart Snack” program, also wouldn’t comment on Flamin’ Hot Cheetos being sold in vending machines. It would only say that the new guidelines have “helped kids across the country eat healthier.”

Related stories on TakePart:

• Cheap—Not So Sustainable or Delicious: Flamin’ Hot Cheetos Pancake Bacon

• 10 Truly Effective Ways to Prevent Childhood Obesity in Schools

• Everything You Wanted to Know About Cheese Powder (But Were Afraid to Ask)

Original article from TakePart