Sugar Reduced In Milk Served In Schools

FT. LAUDERDALE (CBSMiami/AP) – In an effort to have healthier choices available in school lunches, suppliers of chocolate and strawberry flavored milk to most of the state's schools have reduced the amount of sugar they use in the drinks.

Florida's Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam also told the State Board of Education, which is meeting in Fort Lauderdale, that only low-fat and no-fat milk is offered in those schools.

Putnam says he has taken no action on soft drinks since getting responsibility for school nutrition in January but that he expects the federal government to soon propose national rules.

Local school districts currently set their own policies for soft drink vending machines. Most allow students to use the machines only after regular school hours.

The board had discussed possible restrictions on sugary drinks, including flavored milk, before the Legislature approved Putnam's request to give him authority over school nutrition.