Dairy Industry Asking For Feedback On Non-Dairy Products

There’s still time to voice any concerns you may have about the current milk-labeling standards for non-dairy products, such as plant-based products advertised as “milk.”  The Food and Drug Administration is accepting comments until January 28^th.  New York dairy farmer Peter Dueppengiesser said the goal is to enforce fairness in labeling, so that products made from nuts, seeds, and plants do not use dairy terms.

"We just feel like that sends a very misleading message to the consumer, because when they hear milk or dairy products they make certain assumptions about its quality, its wholesomeness, its nutritional value. These other products are not equal. They're not equal in costs, they're not equal in nutritional value."

Dairy producers say plant-based “milks” cause confusion in the dairy aisle for consumers – and for dairy farmers left struggling to turn a profit producing milk.

"But I can also sympathize with the consumer who has lots of choices to make, and doesn't have that information. Which is another reason why this is so important that labeling is correct. So that at least by the label they realize that there's a distinction there."

Dueppengiesser added these types of standards and product transparency are already in place in neighboring countries.

"Ironically, our neighbors to the north in Canada-- that's not allowed. So, there could be two identical products from the same company, marketed in the US and marketed in Canada, and in the US they could call it "milk," and in Canada they would have to call it a "beverage.""

Advocates for the dairy industry have worked diligently to bring this conversation to the forefront and invites all producers to submit their comments before the January 28^th deadline.

Click Here to make your thoughts known.

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