Miller Defends Deep Fryers in Agriculture Address

Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller defended his new nutrition policy Wednesday, praising his department's decision to "abolish outdated and unneeded state mandates" and allow schools to install deep fryers and soda machines if they wish.

Giving the annual State of Agriculture address, Miller reflected on his six-month tenure as commissioner — one that has included controversy over everything from sugary snacks to birthday cupcakes — and discussed new initiatives in consumer protection and his fight against what he considers "federal overreach."

In defense of his nutrition policy, which has been widely criticized by experts and school officials, Miller said there will be no additional fried foods or sugary drinks on school menus, but campuses now have the option to serve freshly fried foods that previously came frozen.

"The problem we have is not serving healthy foods, but instead of having healthy children we have healthy trash cans," Miller said.

Read more: http://www.texastribune.org/2015/07/08/commissioner-sid-miller-delivers-state-agriculture/