WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Jim Risch (R-Idaho), Mike Crapo, (R-Idaho), and Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) introduced the bipartisan CURD (Codifying Useful Regulatory Definitions) Act to help better inform consumers’ cheese purchasing decisions.
The CURD Act would codify a formal definition of “natural cheese,” a term commonly used on food packaging that currently lacks an official definition. Under the CURD Act, “natural cheese” would be defined as cheese produced from animal milk or other dairy ingredients and is produced in accordance with established cheese-making practices. Senators Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Tammy Baldwin (R-Wis.), Mike Braun (R-Ind.), and Peter Welch (D-Vt.) are cosponsors of the CURD Act.
“Mislabeling is a big issue for Idaho’s dairy industry and cheese is no exception," said Risch. “The CURD Act will provide certainty and clarity for consumers by ensuring cheese made from Idaho dairies, instead of a compilation of fillers, is labeled as ‘natural cheese’.”
“Dairy is Idaho’s top agriculture industry, and protecting the integrity of our farmers, producers and their products is a top priority,” said Crapo. “The CURD Act insures customers receive accurately-labeled ‘natural cheese’, so they can make informed decisions at the grocery store.”
“Wisconsin is known for its cheese, in all its forms and varieties,” Johnson said. “Codifying the definition of ‘natural cheese’ will allow consumers the necessary information to make informed decisions when purchasing and enjoying the great products of our state.”
“Vermont farmers work hard to produce world-class cheeses – they deserve truthful labeling that reflects the hours they put in and the nutritional, economic, and cultural value of their product,” said Welch. “I’m proud to support the CURD Act to ensure truth in labeling for Vermont’s delicious cheese products.”
“Wisconsin’s dairy farmers and cheesemakers work hard to produce high-quality cheese products that are known across the globe and move our Made in Wisconsin economy forward,” said Baldwin. “This legislation honors their celebrated products and makes sure consumers know what products on the shelf meet the definition of ‘natural cheese’ and what do not.”
“Hoosiers and Americans alike have a tremendous passion for all things cheese, so I find it important that consumers know exactly what they’re getting when they order a cheese product,” said Braun. “The CURD Act will promote label transparency and help Americans make informed decisions around their consumption of cheese.”
“Oregonians are proud of our state’s world renown high-quality cheese,” said Wyden. “The CURD Act will ensure that cheese consumers nationwide understand how the cheese they’re buying at their local supermarket is produced—which will highlight Oregon’s delicious natural cheese products.”
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