Political debate: Is pizza a vegetable?

PORTSMOUTH, Va. (WAVY) - No matter how you slice it kids love pizza. But even with all the options for toppings, you probably wouldn't call your pizza pie a vegetable. A vote from Congress could make it just that.

If a new federal spending bill is passed, as it reads right now, two tablespoons of tomato paste on a slice of pizza would make pizza a vegetable.

This all started with the USDA 's plan to make school lunches healthier. Earlier this year, the agency recommended limiting starchy vegetables, like French fries, and reducing sodium and saturated fat.

But lobbyists for frozen food companies, the salt industry and potato growers argued that the new standards were too strict. While others contended that such changes would cost schools too much. 

Congress' new bill doesn't include money to implement the USDA's plan and now nutritionists are calling foul. They believe Congress is keeping healthy vegetables out of reach in schools.

Mission Readiness , a group composed of retired generals, called the lack of healthy foods in schools a national security issue, as obesity is a leading medical disqualification for military service.

WAVY.com called local politicians to ask how they planned to vote on the bill. Offices for both Rep. Randy Forbes and Rep. Bobby Scott said both men are still going through all the provisions. The nutrition issue is a small part of a very large bill that Congress must approve to avoid a government shutdown.

The House of Representative vote is set for Thursday night. The Senate will cast its vote by weeks end.