From staff reports

WASHINGTON — Bipartisan legislation aimed at tightening labeling standards for dairy products has been reintroduced in Congress, with supporters arguing it would provide clearer information for consumers and protect dairy producers.

The bill, known as the Defending Against Imitations and Replacements of Yogurt, Milk, and Cheese to Promote Regular Intake of Dairy Everyday, or DAIRY PRIDE Act, would require the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to enforce existing standards of identity for dairy products.

That would mean products labeled as milk, cheese or yogurt would need to meet established nutritional and compositional definitions, while plant-based alternatives using traditional dairy terms could face stricter oversight.

U.S. Rep. John Joyce, R-Pa., joined U.S. Rep. Josh Riley, D-N.Y., in introducing the bipartisan measure, H.R. 8414.

Supporters say the legislation would help reduce consumer confusion caused by plant-based products marketed as “milk,” “cheese” or “yogurt” despite offering different nutritional profiles than traditional dairy products.

Joyce said the bill is intended to improve transparency and protect public health.

“When labels blur the truth, it puts public health at risk, and that’s something Congress has a responsibility to fix,” Joyce said.

Riley said the legislation would also help protect dairy farmers from unfair competition.

The bill is expected to be considered during an Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health hearing Wednesday, April 29.