There are no specific statutory, regulatory, or Department-level policies regarding the establishment of lunch periods. In particular, there is no requirement to establish a lunch period (although it is usually a matter of good management practice to do so).

Section 6101(a) (3) (F) of title 5, U.S. Code, places a general limit of one-hour on breaks in an employee's basic work day.

Subject to the one-hour limit on breaks, and any applicable bargaining obligation, Bureaus may establish such lunch periods as they deem appropriate.

Lunch or other meal periods for non-exempt law enforcement officers (LEOs) who receive AUO pay are not breaks in the workday, and are counted as hours of duty. See 5 CFR 551.411(c).

Office of Personnel Management Guidance