US Dairy Coalition Urges Congress to Reject S. 5026
The coalition said the bill, identified as S. 5026, would create federal criteria for classifying ultra-processed foods and require front-of-package notices linking consumption with childhood obesity and diabetes. Its members said the proposed rules could cover a broad range of dairy products, including whole milk, natural cheese and cultured products such as yogurt.
The organizations involved include 76 dairy processors, cooperatives and regional producer associations. The National Milk Producers Federation and the International Dairy Foods Association led the submission to congressional leaders. The coalition said broad statutory definitions could place warning labels on basic dairy products and create uncertainty for consumers and the dairy supply chain.
Dairy industry executives said the proposed framework does not reflect the nutritional characteristics of the products at issue. According to the industry, dairy foods provide 13 essential vitamins and minerals and are included as a foundational food category in the 2025–2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans.
The coalition also cited government intake data showing that most school-aged children and many adults consume less dairy than recommended. It said mandatory warnings could make it more difficult to address those shortfalls by influencing how consumers view milk, cheese and yogurt.
The industry said the measure would have commercial consequences for a sector that supports more than three million US jobs and generates $779 billion in total economic impact. It said processors could face product reformulation requirements, while institutional buyers such as school lunch programmes could have to adjust procurement practices.
Industry representatives further said the legislation could reduce demand for dairy fats and cultured solids. They called for nutrition policy to assess the benefits of foods within the overall diet and to rely on metabolic evidence rather than broad classifications based on ingredients or processing methods.
Farmer organizations and dairy processors are continuing to ask lawmakers not to apply the proposed labelling requirements to nutrient-dense dairy commodities. The coalition said the treatment of liquid milk, cheese and yogurt affects farm revenues, rural processing facilities and consumer access to those products.
