Other Labeling Regulations
Labeling regulations are critical for U.S. dairy farmers and their cooperatives because they ensure that consumers receive accurate, clear and truthful information about dairy products. NMPF regularly engages labeling issues, defining terms like “natural” or “healthy” and evaluating front-of-package labeling.
Mandatory labeling helps prevent misleading claims, ensuring that dairy products are not misbranded under Food and Drug Administration (FDA) rules. Clear and consistent labeling protects the reputation of dairy products, supports consumer trust and safeguards the economic interests of farmers and their cooperatives in a competitive marketplace.
Our Position
Strong federal and state enforcement of dairy labeling regulations protects consumer confidence and promotes fair competition in the marketplace. NMPF endorses health and nutrition claims on dairy labels when supported by science, while opposing any claims that inaccurately suggest one product is superior to another.
NMPF and its member cooperatives support national consistency in labeling to ensure that health and safety information is science-based and uniform across all states. NMPF also advocates for transparency in labeling for foods that contain synthetic or artificially created components that mimic dairy. NMPF strongly opposes using unqualified traditional dairy names for imitation products, including those made from plant-based or synthetic ingredients, and rejects any labeling of organic dairy that suggests it is inherently safer or more nutritious than conventional dairy.
Key Points
- Current FDA criteria for a “healthy” claim are overly narrow, as they exclude many nutrient-dense dairy products that provide essential vitamins, minerals and protein. This restriction not only limits consumer access to important foods but also distorts perceptions of what constitutes a balanced diet. Ensuring the “healthy” designation recognizes the nutritional contributions of dairy supports informed consumer choices and highlights the value of dairy in a healthful diet.
- Front-of-package labeling that emphasizes only saturated fat, sodium, and added sugar offers a limited view of a food’s overall nutritional profile. This approach can mislead consumers, undervalue nutrient-rich dairy products and create an unlevel playing field in the marketplace and constitutes unlawful compelled commercial speech.
- Enforcing standards of identity prevents imitation or synthetic products from inappropriately using the names of traditional dairy foods. This safeguards consumers from confusion, maintains the integrity of dairy products and ensures fair competition for U.S. dairy farmers and manufacturers.
