Most recently, the Plant Based Foods Association (PBFA) commissioned a review of public comments submitted to the FDA. The debate over consumers’ understanding of “dairy” terms on alternative product labels continues. Plant-based group offers FDA comment analysis

“To prevent these food products from including names of dairy foods in their labels would only lead to confusion in the marketplace,” they said. In the letter, the lawmakers express concern that “needlessly restrictive” interpretation of existing labeling requirements could negatively impact the plant-based food sector and impact consumers’ ability to recognize and choose plant-based alternatives. Among those signing the letter, only California’s LaMalfa is a member of the House Ag Committee. Earl Blumanauer (D-Oregon), Mark Meadows (R-North Carolina), Gary Palmer (R-Alabama), Kathy Castor (D-Florida), Jamie Raskin (D-Maryland), Doug LaMalfa (R-California), and Julia Brownley and Ted Lieu (both D-California). Among those signing the letter were House members from several leading dairy states. In late March, eight House members submitted a letter to the FDA, requesting the agency continue to allow manufacturers and marketers of plant-based dairy alternatives to use dairy terms on product labels. Some lawmakers want dairy terms allowed on plant-based products Hilmar officials previously announced a three-year strategic plan focusing on cheese, whey protein and lactose businesses. Completed in 2015, the milk powder facility manufactures whole milk powder and skim milk powder for the export market.

Hilmar Cheese begins construction on milk powder plant in Turlock, Calif.Īccording to the company’s press release, Hilmar Cheese Company will continue operations with no impact to the dairy farm families who contract to sell their milk to the company.

Hilmar skim milk powder plant