DAIRY PRIDE Act

This bill tells the FDA to crack down on foods that use dairy names like “milk,” “yogurt,” or “cheese” if they aren’t actually dairy. Under this policy, a food can only use a standardized dairy name if it is made from, mainly contains, or is derived from the milk of hooved animals. Plant-based or other non-dairy products can’t use those dairy names unless they clearly meet “imitation” rules already in law. It also points to existing federal standards for what counts as dairy terms on labels, like those in federal regulations for milk, cheese, and ice cream .

The FDA must publish draft enforcement guidance within 90 days and final guidance within 180 days. Any older FDA guidance that conflicts with this new rule is canceled. Within two years, the FDA has to report to Congress on warnings and penalties issued. If mislabeled products are still on shelves then, the report must include an updated plan to fix it .

• Who is affected: Shoppers, dairy farmers, and food companies that make or sell dairy and non-dairy products .
• What changes: Tighter label rules and enforcement so only true dairy products can use dairy names, unless clearly labeled under imitation rules; FDA guidance and oversight increase .
• When: Draft guidance in 90 days, final in 180 days, and a report to Congress in 2 years .