The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has proposed a new guideline that would allow plant-based milk to be called “milk.” This proposal aims to provide clarity for consumers, who may be confused by the labeling of plant-based milk products.
According to the proposed guidelines, plant-based milk products can be called “milk” as long as the name of the plant is included in the labeling, such as “almond milk” or “soy milk.” This proposal has been welcomed by the plant-based milk industry, as it would eliminate the need for confusing terms such as “almond beverage” or “soy drink.”
The FDA has been considering this proposal for several years, and it has received support from the plant-based milk industry and many consumers. However, the dairy industry has opposed the proposal, arguing that the term “milk” should only be used for products that come from animals.
Despite the opposition, the FDA is moving forward with the proposal, citing the need for clear labeling for consumers. The agency has stated that it is not trying to dictate what foods consumers should eat but rather is seeking to ensure that they have accurate information about the products they are consuming.
This proposal is not without controversy, as some argue that allowing plant-based milk to be called “milk” could be misleading for consumers who are looking for the nutritional benefits of dairy milk. However, plant-based milk products are often fortified with vitamins and minerals to provide a similar nutritional profile to dairy milk.
If the proposal is adopted, it could have huge implications for the plant-based milk industry, which has seen significant growth in recent years. It would also provide clarity for consumers, who would no longer have to decipher confusing labeling terms.