Wisconsin Farm Bureau Voices Concern Regarding Milk Labeling

Tuesday, May 2nd, 2023 -- 9:00 AM

(Wisconsin Ag Connection) The Wisconsin Farm Bureau has voiced its concerns over the labeling of milk alternatives by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), by submitting its official comments to the FDA on the issue.

According to the Wisconsin Ag Connection, the issue revolves around whether products like soy, almond, and oat beverages should be allowed to use the term "milk" on their packaging, given that they do not come from animals.

Dairy producers in Wisconsin and other states argue that this labeling practice is misleading to consumers and harms the dairy industry. They maintain that only milk from cows should be labeled as "milk" in order to avoid confusion and ensure fair competition in the marketplace.

The Farm Bureau has called for clearer standards on milk labeling, urging the FDA to enforce existing regulations that define milk as a product derived from cows. They argue that milk alternatives are not nutritionally equivalent to cow's milk, and that consumers should be able to make informed choices based on accurate labeling.

The controversy over milk labeling has been ongoing for several years, with some producers advocating for stricter enforcement of existing rules, while others argue that alternative products should be allowed to use the term "milk" as long as they meet certain standards.

The FDA has yet to issue a definitive ruling on the matter, and the debate is likely to continue for some time. The issue of milk labeling is a complex and contentious one, with implications for both dairy producers and consumers.

The Wisconsin Farm Bureau is advocating for clearer standards on milk alternatives, in order to ensure that consumers have accurate information and that the dairy industry is not unfairly impacted by misleading labeling practices.

As the debate continues, it remains to be seen how the FDA will ultimately address this issue.

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