The National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) and International Dairy Foods Association, along with 76 dairy companies, cooperatives and state and regional producer organizations, including KLA, urged congressional leaders last week to reject the Childhood Diabetes Reduction Act of 2026 (S. 5026). The legislation would establish a broad definition of “ultra-processed foods” and require front-of-package warning labels on products covered by the definition. These labels could appear on many nutrient-dense dairy foods.
In a letter to congressional leaders, the organizations expressed support for efforts to improve Americans’ health and reduce diet-related disease, but emphasized nutrition policy should be grounded in sound science and provide clear, consistent information to consumers. NMPF President and Chief Executive Officer Gregg Doud said whole milk, cheese and yogurt are staples of a healthy diet, not foods that should carry a warning label.
“S. 5026 gets the science wrong, lumping wholesome dairy foods in with products that have nothing in common with them nutritionally. That’s not informing consumers, it’s misleading them about foods nutrition experts say Americans need more of, not less,” said Doud.
Dairy foods provide 13 essential vitamins and minerals and remain a core food group in the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. The industry says most Americans, including many school-aged children, do not consume enough dairy to meet recommended levels.