Food Program Guidances Under Development - June 2021

A private individual is expressing strong opposition to the FDA's decision to allow plant-based products to be labeled as "milk." The commenter argues that this labeling is deceptive to consumers and demands a complete ban on the term or much stricter regulations to clarify that plant-based "milks" are not nutritionally equivalent to animal milk.

The Plant Based Foods Association opposes the FDA's proposed guidance to restrict the use of dairy-related terms in the labeling of plant-based milk alternatives. They argue that such restrictions would stifle innovation, are not necessary to prevent consumer confusion, and would likely face legal challenges under the First Amendment.