WASHINGTON, May 22, 2025—Michael Dykes, D.V.M., the president and CEO of the International Dairy Foods Association, issued the following statement today on the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) Commission’s Making Our Children Healthy Again Assessment:

“U.S. dairy farmers, processors, and the entire dairy supply chain share the MAHA Commission’s goal to reduce childhood chronic disease, and at IDFA we’re taking bold action alongside the federal government to ensure every child can access and benefit from dairy nutrition. In the past two years alone, dairy food companies have committed to reducing added sugar and removing certified artificial colors in dairy products served in schools. Appealing to all consumers, dairy companies are offering wholesome new products rich in nutrients, lower in added sugar, and higher in protein, while reducing or removing lactose and extending shelf life.

“We appreciate that the Commission’s assessment recognizes the many positive health outcomes associated with dairy products and highlights the role of improving health through dairy incentives in SNAP. Every day in communities across the country, the dairy industry is partnering with federal, state and local leaders to improve access to dairy foods for low-income Americans through school meals, WIC, and SNAP, offering education and nutrition counseling on creating a healthier diet with dairy’s 13 essential nutrients critical for growth, development, and immune function. As the MAHA Commission develops its strategy to tackle childhood chronic disease, we urge the Commission to embrace sound science and evidence throughout, and to continue to work with IDFA and our dairy industry partners to build a healthier future for all children.”

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Contact: press@idfa.org

The International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA), Washington, D.C., represents the nation’s dairy manufacturing and marketing industry, which supports more than 3.2 million jobs that generate $49 billion in direct wages and $794 billion in overall economic impact. IDFA’s diverse membership ranges from multinational organizations to single-plant companies, from dairy companies and cooperatives to food retailers and suppliers, all on the cutting edge of innovation and sustainable business practices. Together, they represent most of the milk, cheese, ice cream, yogurt and cultured products, and dairy ingredients produced and marketed in the United States and sold throughout the world. Delicious, safe and nutritious, dairy foods offer unparalleled health and consumer benefits to people of all ages.