Wisconsin Assembly Bill AB999

Wisconsin 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/25/24
• Refer: 1/25/24
• Failed: 4/15/24

Caption

Labeling food as a type of dairy product or as a dairy ingredient and granting rule-making authority. (FE)

Impact

If enacted, AB999 is anticipated to impact both consumers and producers within the food industry. By enforcing stricter labeling requirements on dairy products, the bill aims to ensure that consumers are better informed about the products they are purchasing. It seeks to foster trust in the food supply by disallowing products that do not meet the defined standards from being marketed as dairy, which may enhance consumer protection and promote fair competition in the agricultural sector.

Summary

Assembly Bill 999 (AB999) seeks to regulate the labeling of food products as dairy items or dairy ingredients. The bill stipulates that no food product can be labeled as a type of dairy product, such as cream, yogurt, or cheese, unless it is derived from actual dairy, specifically cow's milk or the milk of other hooved or camelid mammals. This initiative aims to provide clarity for consumers regarding the nature of dairy products they purchase, protecting them from potentially misleading labels. The terms dairy ingredient also fall under this regulation, restricting labeling to products that meet certain definitions outlined in federal law.

Contention

Notably, the bill includes a provision that its enforcement hinges on at least ten out of a specified group of fifteen states enacting similar prohibitions by June 30, 2031. This clause introduces a unique aspect of inter-state regulatory compliance which could spark debate regarding local governance versus collaborative regional regulation. Proponents argue that this multi-state approach is essential to avoid a fragmented regulatory environment, while opponents may view it as limiting Wisconsin's autonomy in establishing its regulatory framework. Additionally, concerns may be raised about the implications for businesses that rely on broader interpretations of what constitutes dairy, potentially affecting their market strategies and product offerings.