EPA TO INCREASE ENFORCEMENT OF SCHOOL WATER QUALITY LAWS + USDA SCHOOL MEAT WOULDN’T PASS MUSTER AT FAST-FOOD RESTAURANTS

from the American Association oif School Administrators SmartBrief

EPA to increase enforcement of school water-quality laws

The Environmental Protection Agency says it is stepping up efforts to ensure safe drinking water in schools. At a congressional committee meeting, EPA officials said they will more closely monitor chronic violators of water-quality laws and may ask some small communities to improve their water systems to keep toxic water out of schools. A recent Associated Press analysis of EPA data found contaminants in drinking water at schools in every state. ABC News/The Associated Press (12/8)

USDA school meat wouldn't pass muster at some fast-food restaurants

The Department of Agriculture has been purchasing beef and chicken for school lunches that would not be deemed fit by many fast-food restaurants, according to a USA Today investigation. While a federal agency says the meat it provides to schools "meets or exceeds standards in commercial products," some fast-food chains told the newspaper they hold their meat to higher safety standards. However, after viewing the findings, USDA officials did order an independent investigation into school-food safety to begin in 2010. USA TODAY (12/9)