New Jersey Assembly Bill AR133

New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 5/2/22
• Refer: 5/2/22

Caption

Urges FDA to prohibit labeling of non-dairy products as milk.

Impact

If adopted, this resolution would prompt the FDA to investigate and take action against manufacturers that improperly label non-dairy products as 'milk'. The bill reflects the concerns regarding consumer deception since imitation dairy products are often perceived as nutritionally equivalent to authentic dairy, leading to a misunderstanding about their health benefits. The resolution argues that deceptive labeling could have consequences on consumer health and undermine dairy consumption, potentially affecting dairy producers financially.

Summary

Assembly Resolution No. 133, introduced in the New Jersey 220th Legislature, seeks to urge the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to prohibit the labeling of non-dairy products as 'milk'. The resolution emphasizes the importance of dairy in a healthy diet, as referenced by the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, which stress the nutritional benefits of dairy products. Given that dairy consumption has been declining and the popularity of plant-based imitation dairy products has risen, the resolution is aimed at protecting consumers and dairy farmers from misleading labeling practices.

Contention

The crux of contention lies in the definition of 'milk', as outlined by the FDA, which specifies that it must be the lacteal secretion from healthy cows. Advocates for the resolution assert that the current trend of labeling non-dairy products as 'milk' not only misleads consumers but also adversely affects dairy farmers by contributing to a decline in dairy prices and consumption. Critics may argue that such a resolution could be seen as regulatory overreach, affecting the market for plant-based alternatives that cater to growing consumer preferences for non-dairy options.