Wisconsin Secretary of Agraculture Sheila Harsdorf has sent a letter to Dr. Scott Gottlieb, Commissioner of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, expressing concern over the agency’s policies on food labeling. With an increasing number of plant-based products being marketed as milk, it is critical that FDA enforce labeling that provides clear and transparent information to consumers.
In the letter, Harsdorf noted that regulators in other countries are enforcing their standards and definitions not allowing plant-based products to be labeled or marketed as milk. She emphasized that it is imperative that the United States do the same in order to not be placed at a competitive disadvantage.
“As a nation, we need honesty and accuracy in the labeling of food products
and consistency in enforcement of existing standards,” added Harsdorf. “As
food innovations continue to emerge, it is essential that standards of
identity and labeling requirements are clear and enforced to maintain the
integrity of the agricultural industry and clarity in the marketplace for
consumers.”
While Harsdorf did not single out a specific product, soy milk and almond milk are typically plant based products marketed as milk.