FarmFirst Dairy Cooperative submitted comments to the Food and Drug Administration on a guidance document on dairy labeling. FarmFirst urges the enforcement of current dairy labeling regulations — requiring clear labeling differentiating real dairy products from imitations and substitutes.
On Feb. 22, the FDA issued draft guidance titled “Labeling of Plant-Based Milk Alternatives and Voluntary Nutrient Statements: Guidance for Industry.” FDA requested comments on this guidance, with a deadline of July 31.
“We firmly believe that it is time to enforce the established regulations and standards of identity for milk and dairy products,” says FarmFirst General Manager Jeff Lyon. “Consumers deserve clear and accurate information when making purchasing decisions. Enforcing dairy labeling requirements is essential to protect the interests of our farmers and maintain trust between producers and consumers.”
The FDA’s guidance document includes a recommendation for voluntary nutrition statements on plant-based milk alternatives, which differ nutritionally from milk. But the cooperative is concerned that voluntary labeling falls short of the enforcement required to protect the dairy industry and consumers.
FDA’s guidance does recognize the importance of milk and dairy in a healthy diet. FarmFirst appreciates that it highlights how dairy products provide essential nutrients, such as calcium, protein, vitamins, and more. The FDA’s acknowledgment of these benefits further highlights the necessity of accurate dairy labeling.
In addition, FarmFirst emphasized the importance of distinguishing dairy-based products from plant-based alternatives to prevent consumer confusion and misperception.
“The use of dairy terms for plant-based alternatives not only misleads consumers about the nutritional content but also undermines the hard work and dedication of dairy farmers,” says Lyon. “We also included recommendations on utilizing the term “imitation” in the labeling of imitation dairy products, as well as the need for clear and easily understood food labels to ensure transparency.
Read FarmFirst’s comments: https://www.farmfirstdairycooperative.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/FDA-Guidance-Documernt-on-Milk-Labeling_June-2023.pdf
Submit a comment: https://www.regulations.gov/
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