If passed, HB 1803 would have significant ramifications on labeling practices within the cheese-making industry by ensuring that only products meeting the defined criteria could be marketed as 'natural cheese'. This could lead to changes in the way food manufacturers label cheese products, enforcing stricter compliance with the defined standards. The potential increase in consumer trust in food labeling is a primary goal of the bill, aligning with broader efforts in food safety and public health regulations.
Summary
House Bill 1803, also known as the CURD Act, seeks to amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act by defining the term 'natural cheese'. This legislation aims to clarify the distinctions between natural cheese and processed cheese to help consumers make informed choices. The bill has outlined specific criteria and production processes that constitute 'natural cheese', reinforcing the necessity of transparent labeling for food products in the market. By standardizing this definition, the bill addresses consumer concerns regarding food quality and consistency.
Contention
Notable points of contention surrounding HB 1803 revolve around the implications of defining 'natural cheese' and how this may limit the flexibility of cheese producers in creating and labeling their products. Opponents may argue that setting stringent definitions could stifle innovation in the cheese industry and favor larger businesses that can more easily comply with these standardizations over smaller, artisanal producers. Furthermore, the bill's economic impact on smaller producers and retailers has been a subject of discussion, as they may struggle with the requirements set forth by these regulatory definitions.
Codifying Useful Regulatory Definitions Act or the CURD ActThis bill establishes a statutory definition for natural cheese. Under the bill, natural cheese is defined as cheese (ripened or unripened soft, semi-soft, or hard) that is produced from animal milk or certain dairy ingredients and is produced in accordance with established cheese-making standards. The definition excludes pasteurized process cheeses, cheese foods, and cheese spreads.A food that does not meet this definition is deemed misbranded and may not be sold if its label includes the term natural cheese as a factual descriptor of a category of cheese.
Article I Regulatory Budget Act This bill requires the establishment of a federal regulatory budget to limit the costs of federal regulations. It also establishes requirements for disclosing the projected costs of federal regulations and procedures for enforcing the regulatory budget.