LOS ANGELES — As concern grows about child obesity, more people are asking why sugary flavored milk remains a staple of school lunches across the country.
Flavored milk makes up about 70 percent of milk consumed in schools. Most of that milk is chocolate.
Los Angeles schools Superintendent John Deasy is the latest official to push to remove flavored milk from school menus. He's supported by many parents and even British TV chef Jamie Oliver. Oliver has made revamping school food one of his signature causes.
Others argue that if flavored varieties are removed, students won't drink milk. A number of medical groups and the milk industry point to studies saying children who drink flavored milk meet more of their nutrient needs and aren't heavier than non-milk drinkers.