Milk producers in a froth over nothing

Milk producers say they’ve achieved victory over plant-based milks. Don’t swallow this white lie.
Spilled milk

On March 22, after the U.S. House of Representatives passed the omnibus spending bill, the National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) issued a press release with the title: “Congressional Spending Bill Includes DAIRY PRIDE Act Language in Victory for Milk Labeling Standards.”

It is easy enough to determine that this is not true. A quick search of the spending bill reveals there is nothing in the bill about dairy labeling, milk, or anything at all related to NMPF’s claim.

When pressed by reporters, NMPF admitted they were referring to language in a conference report. A conference report from the summer of 2017.

To make matters even more bizarre, here’s the language that NMPF was celebrating:

“The Committee directs the FDA to develop a standard of identity for dairy products.”

Wait, what? This is what the Food, Drug, and Cosmetics Act did many decades ago. Crowing about this is like taking credit for language calling on the Department of Transportation to develop an 8-sided “STOP” sign.

What the heck, NMPF? Telling reporters things that are objectively untrue is not a smart communications strategy.

But wait! If you have just declared Dairy Pride Victory, does that mean you will withdraw that silly, patronizing, anti-competitive, and unconstitutional piece of legislation?

If so, that’s great! Congratulations on your “victory” ! 

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