S. 184: Codifying Useful Regulatory Definitions Act

This bill, titled the **Codifying Useful Regulatory Definitions Act** or the **CURD Act**, aims to establish a legal definition for the term **natural cheese** within the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. Here are the key components of the bill:

Purpose of the Bill

The bill is designed to provide clarity and consistency for consumers regarding what qualifies as natural cheese, allowing them to distinguish it from other cheese products such as process cheese. It acknowledges that the term has been in use within the cheese-making industry for over 50 years, making it a well-established concept.

Definition of Natural Cheese

The bill proposes a specific definition of natural cheese. According to the proposed amendment, natural cheese is defined as:

• A cheese product that can be soft, semi-soft, or hard, which may be coated.
• It must be produced by:
• Coagulating milk, which may include various forms such as whole milk, skimmed milk, cream, and buttermilk.
• Using processes that create an end product with similar characteristics to those achieved through traditional coagulation methods.
• Including the addition of non-milk derived ingredients that are considered safe and suitable.

Exclusions from the Definition

The bill specifies that certain products are not classified as natural cheese. These include:

• Pasteurized process cheeses
• Pasteurized process cheese foods
• Pasteurized cheese spreads
• Pasteurized process cheese spreads
• Pasteurized blended cheeses
• Any other product that resembles the aforementioned categories as determined by the Secretary of Health and Human Services.

Labeling Requirements

The bill also includes labeling requirements. If a product's label uses the term **natural cheese**, it must conform to the definition set forth in the bill. However, the use of adjectives like **natural** or **all-natural** is still permitted if consistent with existing regulations.

National Uniformity

The bill seeks to amend existing laws regarding national uniformity in labeling, ensuring consistent interpretations across the country. It adjusts a reference within the law to encompass the new section regarding natural cheese.

Implications

By defining natural cheese legally, the bill aims to prevent misleading labeling and provide consumers with a clearer understanding of the products they purchase. This change is expected to encourage transparency in the dairy industry.

Relevant Companies

• DHUL - Dairy companies that produce cheeses may be directly impacted by this bill due to the new labeling requirements and potential shifts in production standards.
• CLX - Companies under Clorox that may have dairy products, affecting compliance with the new definition and ensuing labeling compliance.