Contact: Peggy Armstrong
(202) 220-3508
parmstrong@idfa.org

(Washington, D.C. – January 18, 2018) The International Dairy Foods Association issued the following statement by Michael Dykes, D.V.M., IDFA president and CEO, regarding the introduction of legislation to codify a definition of the term “natural cheese” within the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act.

“On behalf of America’s dairy foods companies, the International Dairy Foods Association commends Senators Ron Johnson (R-WI) and Ron Wyden (D-OR) and Congressmen Billy Long (R-MO) and Ron Kind (D-WI) for taking a common-sense approach to the definition of ‘natural cheese.’

“U.S. cheese companies have been using the term 'natural cheese' for decades. This legislation will allow cheese makers to continue using this simple and longstanding term on their packaging.

“We appreciate the leadership of these four Members of Congress to ensure that the term 'natural cheese' retains its historic meaning.”

The text of the Senate bill may be found here.

#  #  #

The International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA), Washington, D.C., represents the nation’s dairy manufacturing and marketing industry, which employs nearly 1 million skilled individuals, generates more than $39 billion in direct wages and has an overall economic impact of more than $200 billion. IDFA is the umbrella organization for the Milk Industry Foundation (MIF), the National Cheese Institute (NCI) and the International Ice Cream Association (IICA).

Our members range from large multinational organizations to single-plant companies. Together they represent more than 85 percent of the milk, cultured products, cheese, ice cream and frozen desserts produced and marketed in the United States and sold throughout the world. Our diverse membership includes numerous food retailers, suppliers and companies that offer infant formula and a wide variety of milk ingredients.