Did the Reagan-era USDA really classify ketchup as a vegetable? - The Straight Dope

Background

• The phrase "ketchup is a vegetable" has been widely discussed in connection with President Reagan's administration.
• The story is complex and can be interpreted as a bureaucratic mistake or a political agenda depending on the perspective.

USDA's Role in Food Classification

• Various food products are classified by different agencies for different purposes.
• The USDA was involved in this case due to its subsidized school lunch program.
  • Local districts could get reimbursement if lunches met certain standards.

Events Leading to the Ketchup Controversy

• 1981: Congress cut $1 billion from child-nutrition funding.
  • The USDA had 90 days to create new standards to help districts economize while maintaining nutrition.
• A panel was convened including nutritionists and food service directors to propose solutions.
  • An option arose to consider ketchup a fruit/vegetable when used as an ingredient, possibly even as a condiment.
  • The motive was not solely cost-saving but to reflect what children would actually consume.
  • Other substitutions included:
    • Pickle relish as a vegetable
    • Tofu or cottage cheese as protein sources
    • Corn chips and pretzels as bread replacements
  • Portion sizes were also reduced to decrease waste.

Reaction and Consequences

• The proposed standards were seen as reducing food quality for children.
• September 1981: New rules were released, causing backlash from food activists and politicians.
  • Democrats highlighted the issue with photo ops of skimpy meals.
  • The proposal was withdrawn and the responsible USDA official was transferred (seen as a firing).

Misconceptions and Misinterpretations

• President Jimmy Carter was incorrectly associated with the proposal.
• Agriculture Secretary John Block defended the rules, claiming misunderstanding.

Long-term Outcomes

• A new policy "offer vs. serve" was adopted, allowing students to refuse up to two meal components.
• The Clinton administration later classified salsa as a vegetable without much controversy due to its nutritional value.

Related Developments

• A federal judge's ruling classified batter-coated french fries as a fresh vegetable, related more to legal creditor issues than food policy.

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Cecil Adams

• Cecil Adams provides responses to questions about various topics, including historical and bureaucratic events.
• Readers can send questions to Cecil via email.