WASHINGTON DC — U.S. Sens. Tammy Baldwin (D-Wisconsin) and Jim Risch (R-Idaho) introduced legislation to combat what they call the unfair practice of mislabeling non-dairy products using dairy names.
The Defending Against Imitations and Replacements of Yogurt, milk, and cheese to Promote Regular Intake of Dairy Everyday Act would prohibit non-dairy products made from nuts, seeds, plants, and algae from being inappropriately labeled with dairy terms such as milk, yogurt, or cheese.
Additional cosponsors of the legislation include Sens. Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Susan Collins (R-Maine), Peter Welch (D-Vermont), John Fetterman (D-Pennsylvania), Angus King (Ind-Maine), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minnesota), Roger Marshall (R-Kansas), Pete Ricketts (R-Nebraska), Mike Rounds (R-South Dakota), and Tina Smith (D-Minnesota).
“Wisconsin is known across the world as America’s Dairyland because our hardworking dairy farmers produce the best products with the highest nutritional value,” said Baldwin. “But, for far too long, imitation dairy products made from plants and nuts have ridden the coattails of our dairy farmers and gotten away with using dairy’s good name without meeting those standards. I’m proud to work with my Democratic and Republican colleagues to settle this once and for all by requiring the federal government to stop these imitation products of lesser nutritional value from using labels like milk, cheese, and yogurt.”
“Dairy comes from cows, goats, and sheep — not almonds,” said Risch. “Plant-based products’ misleading branding is a disservice to consumers and the dairy farmers who dedicate their lives to making the nutritious dairy products Idahoans enjoy. The DAIRY PRIDE Act requires the FDA to enforce accurate definitions for dairy terminology, end deceptive labeling, and advocate for the farmers who feed us.”
“Idaho’s dairy producers put in immense hours of thorough work to produce quality, nutritional dairy products,” said Crapo. “Ensuring their products are not challenged by inaccurately-labeled imitation products will protect their work and a large part of our state’s economy.”
The DAIRY PRIDE Act would require the Food and Drug Administration to issue guidance for nationwide enforcement of mislabeled imitation dairy products within 90 days and require the FDA to report its efforts to Congress two years after the bill’s enactment. The legislation would also nullify any guidance that is not consistent with dairy standards of identity.
“Idaho dairy farmers have worked hard for generations to provide real, safe, and wholesome dairy products,” said Rick Naerebout, CEO of the Idaho Dairymen’s Association. “Allowing plant-based alternatives to use dairy terms misleads consumers and undermines the work of our family farms. The Idaho Dairymen’s Association strongly supports the ‘Dairy Pride Act,’ which reaffirms what the FDA has long recognized, that dairy terms have clear, traditional definitions tied to animal-derived products. Upholding these standards protects the integrity of dairy, supports our farmers, and strengthens consumer trust.”
“NMPF thanks Sens. Tammy Baldwin, Jim Risch, Peter Welch, and Susan Collins for their continued leadership in prodding FDA to simply do its job, which Congress can ensure by enacting the DAIRY PRIDE Act,” said Gregg Doud, President and CEO of National Milk Producers Federation. “It’s time to get rid of FDA’s 2023 guidance on labeling imitator beverages and replace it with straightforward policy that makes FDA enforce its own dairy standards of identity.”
“America’s dairy farmers take seriously the responsibility of providing families across the country with healthy, safe and affordable products they can count on,” said Sam Kieffer, Vice President of Public Policy for the American Farm Bureau Federation. “The DAIRY PRIDE Act will help ensure consumers can make an educated decision when choosing what to put on their tables. We appreciate the work of Sen. Baldwin to bring this legislation forward, and for her continued support of farmers and ranchers.”