The American Medical Association on Thursday issued a statement endorsing healthier school meal standards and in opposition to congressional intervention in their development.

“Obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease are very real challenges facing far too many of our kids and the American Medical Association supports ongoing steps to improve their overall health and nutrition, including healthier school meals and reduced consumption of sugar sweetened beverages,” said AMA President Ardis Dee Hoven.

“Congress should not undermine the Institute of Medicine’s science-based standards that were developed to ensure kids are eating healthy food while in school. Schools should be safe zones where kids learn healthy habits based on the best available science, and not undermined by politics or corporate influence.”