IDFA and WCMA Commend House Representatives for Testimony and Letter in Support of Legislation Defining “Natural Cheese”

WASHINGTON — U.S. Reps. Bryan Steil (R-WI) and Jim Costa (D-CA) testified in support of the Codifying Useful Regulatory Definitions (CURD) Act (H.R.1394) at a U.S. House Energy and Commerce Committee hearing on Friday. In addition, Reps. Mark Pocan (D-WI) and Kristen McDonald Rivet (D-MI) submitted letters urging the committee to advance the legislation.

The CURD Act would create a federal definition for the term “natural cheese”’ and help to differentiate natural cheeses from other cheeses, such as processed cheese, to protect against consumer confusion in the marketplace. The term “natural cheese” has been used by the U.S. cheese industry for decades. The Senate passed the CURD Act in 2018 by voice vote, but the House failed to pass it before the 115th Congress adjourned.

“IDFA is grateful to Reps. Steil, Costa, Pocan and McDonald Rivet for their continued leadership on this issue. The term ‘natural cheese’ has been used by the U.S. cheese industry for decades and is well established and understood by the American consumer,” said Michael Dykes, D.V.M., president and CEO of IDFA. “Defining the term is good for the consumer and good for the industry. It maintains transparency and consistency for shoppers so that they will know what they are buying in the grocery store.”

“The dairy processing industry uses the term ‘natural cheese’ to help consumers differentiate cheese made with fresh milk and dairy ingredients from pasteurized processed cheese,” said John Umhoefer, Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association Executive Director. “We thank Reps. Steil, Costa, Pocan and McDonald Rivet for their leadership and bipartisan support of the CURD Act. WCMA stands ready to work with these members of Congress and their colleagues to move this legislation forward and secure enactment of this long-standing, commonly used definition – delivering greater transparency in the marketplace and certainty for the dairy industry.”

The International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA), Washington, D.C., represents the nation’s dairy manufacturing and marketing industry, which supports more than 3 million jobs that generate $198 billion in direct wages and $779 billion in overall economic impact. IDFA’s diverse membership ranges from multinational organizations to single-plant companies, from dairy companies and cooperatives to food retailers and suppliers, all on the cutting edge of innovation and sustainable business practices. Together, they represent most of the milk, cheese, ice cream, yogurt and cultured products, and dairy ingredients produced and marketed in the United States and sold throughout the world. Delicious, safe and nutritious, dairy foods offer unparalleled health and consumer benefits to people of all ages.

Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association (WCMA) serves dairy manufacturers, processors, and their industry supplier partners as a strong policy advocate, networking hub, and trusted source of education and information. WCMA represents over 800 member businesses operating across the United States and around the world.