S. 2507: Defending Against Imitations and Replacements of Yogurt, milk, and cheese to Promote Regular Intake of Dairy Everyday Act

This bill, titled the Defending Against Imitations and Replacements of Yogurt, Milk, and Cheese to Promote Regular Intake of Dairy Everyday Act or the DAIRY PRIDE Act, aims to regulate and enforce standards on dairy product labeling and definitions.

Key Provisions

• Definition of Dairy Products: The bill seeks to establish clear definitions for what constitutes a dairy product. According to the bill, a food product can only be labeled as a dairy product if it is derived from the milk of hooved mammals, specifically if it contains or is primarily made from this type of milk.
• Labeling Regulations: No food product may be marketed under standardized dairy names unless it meets the established criteria. This includes stringent rules against misbranding or labeling food products that do not qualify as dairy, such as certain non-dairy alternatives that use similar names.
• Enforcement:** The Secretary of Health and Human Services is tasked with implementing these provisions. They must draft and finalize guidance on how the new standards will be enforced within specific timeframes after the law's enactment.
• Review and Reporting: The bill requires the Secretary to report to Congress on how enforcement of the new regulations is progressing. This includes details about any misbranded products found in interstate commerce and actions taken to address these issues.

Purpose of the Bill

The primary purpose of this bill is to ensure the integrity and clarity of dairy product labeling. It aims to protect consumers from being misled by food products that claim to be dairy but do not meet the established definitions. This is intended to promote public trust in dairy products and encourage regular consumption of genuine dairy.

Implementation Timeline

• The bill mandates the issuance of draft guidance within 90 days and final guidance within 180 days after it becomes law.
• A report on enforcement actions is required within two years of enactment, which should include updates on any ongoing issues with misbranded dairy products.

Potential Impact on Non-Dairy Alternatives

By establishing strict definitions and labeling requirements, the bill may impact non-dairy alternatives that use terms associated with dairy products. This includes plant-based milk, yogurt, and cheese products that may currently use names that imply they are similar to traditional dairy products.

Relevant Companies

• GOOGL - Companies that produce plant-based dairy alternatives may need to adjust their labeling and marketing strategies significantly to comply with the new definitions and restrictions.
• UDSA - As a company involved in the dairy alternative sector, changes to how products are labeled could necessitate reformulations or rebranding efforts to align with the new standards.