Congress of the united States
‘Washington, DE 20515
December 16, 2016
‘The Honorable Robert M, Calif, M.D.
Commissioner
Food and Drag Administration
10903 New Hampshive Avenue
Silver Spring, MD 20993
ear Commissioner Calif
We strongly believe that the se ofthe term “ilk” by manufacturers of plant-based produets is,
misleading to consumers, harmful to the dairy industry, and a violation of milk’ standard of
identity. We request that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) exerese its legal authority to
investigate and take appropriate ation against the manufacturers of these misbranded products
‘As you know, dary farmers ate facing «serious financial crisis, These haral working Americans
have experienced deep cuts in income as milk prices have plunged 40 pereent since 2014. While
the Administration has taken steps to adloss this crisis, market forecasts predict that the dairy
indstey will continue to fae depressed prices inthe immediate future. Unless more is done,
‘many more farmers will be forced to sll ther herds.
tis against this backerop that we write concerning the mislabeling of imitation “ini” products
In recent years, there has been tremendous growth inthe sale of plant-based produets often
Iabeled as “milk A recent Neilson survey revealed that inthe pas five yeas, sales of certain
plant-based! grew 250 percent to more than $894.6 By contrast, sales of milk fll 7
ppereent in 2015,
‘While consumers are entitled to choose imitation products, it is misteading and illegal for
‘manufacturers of these items to profit from the “milk” name. ‘These products should be allowed.
on the market only when accurately labeled. We urge FDA to enforce this matte by requiring,
plant-based products to adopt a more appropriate name that does not include the word “milk”.
‘As you are aware, milk as a clear standard of identity defined as “the Iacteal secretion,
practically fre from colostrum, obtained by the complete milking of one ot more healthy cows”
@ICER 131.110). Milk, produced by the mammary gland, also has @ unique nutritional value,
providing an excellent source of protein and a wide array of vitamins and minerals, including
calcium, vitamins A and D, and potassium, Pant-based products clearly fail to meet this standard
‘of identity, They are unable to match the nutitional makeup ofthe produet they mimie, yet they
continue to be marketed as milk.While addressing this serious issue will not solve al the challenges conftonting dary farmers, it
is an important part ofthe solution that will also provide consumers with the accurate
information they expect. We urge you to initiate a thorough investigation and appropriate
‘enforcement action.
“Thank you for your consideration of this request. We look forward to your timely response.
) Sincerely,
PETER WELCH MIKE SIMPSON
Member of Congress ‘Member of Congress
‘COLLIN C, PETERSON DAVID G.VALADAO
‘Member of Congress Member of Congress
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