By Gabriela Resto-Montero
DNAinfo Reporter/Producer
CHELSEA — Cupcakes are still out, but Doritos are back in following a vote late Wednesday night by the Panel for Educational Policy amending a bake sale ban to allow pre-approved, pre-packaged foods.
The panel voted unanimously to allow the sale of a strict list of foods approved by the Office of SchoolFood, following a ban last year on all school bake sales. The goodies are sold by students to raise money for school events and programs.
The department argued that it's easier to track the nutritional value of pre-packaged commercial items than parents' homemade cookies and cupcakes. The new rules also restrict the sales to items from companies with DOE contracts, according to the department.
The education department's list of approved foods includes snacks like Cool Ranch flavored Doritos, Toll House Cookies and Pop-Tarts.
The focus on diet in schools is part of Mayor Michael Bloomberg's citywide focus on tackling obesity.
Parents can request to add items to the list of school foods by contacting the Office of SchoolFood at schoolfoodpolicy@schools.nyc.gov or calling (718) 707-4249.
