The "CURD Act" formally defines "natural cheese" to help consumers distinguish it from processed cheese, ensuring consistent labeling and preventing misuse of the term.
Bryan Steil
Representative
WI-1
The "Codifying Useful Regulatory Definitions Act" defines "natural cheese" to differentiate it from processed cheese products, setting standards for its composition, ingredients, and labeling. It ensures that only products meeting the defined criteria can be labeled as "natural cheese," while allowing "natural" or "all-natural" claims consistent with existing regulations. This act aims to provide clarity for consumers and consistency in labeling requirements across the country.
New 'CURD Act' Defines 'Natural Cheese': What It Means for Your Grocery Cart
The "Codifying Useful Regulatory Definitions Act," or CURD Act, is all about setting a clear, legal definition for "natural cheese." This might sound cheesy (pun intended), but it's actually about making sure what you see on the label is what you get. Let's break down what this means for your next trip to the dairy aisle.
Cheese Clarity
The main goal of the CURD Act is to clear up confusion between natural cheese and processed cheese. For over 50 years, the term 'natural cheese' has been floating around the cheese industry. This bill finally nails down what it means, legally speaking. Here's the gist:
- Natural cheese is made by coagulating milk protein (from cows, goats, sheep, etc. – it's all covered!) and draining the whey. Think cheddar, mozzarella, or brie.
- Processed cheese is off the "natural" list. This includes things like pasteurized process cheese, cheese food, and cheese spreads. (Section 3 of the bill lays this all out).
Real-World Rundown
So, how does this impact you? Imagine you're shopping for cheese for a recipe. You see one package labeled "natural cheddar" and another labeled "pasteurized process cheese product." The CURD Act ensures that the "natural" label actually means something specific. It's not just marketing fluff – it has to meet the legal definition.
- Example: A family making homemade pizza can now easily identify and choose natural mozzarella, knowing it meets certain standards, unlike a processed cheese alternative.
This might seem small, but it can affect everyone from home cooks to small cheese producers. For instance, a local cheese maker using traditional methods can now confidently label their product as "natural," knowing they're playing by the same rules as bigger companies.
The Bigger Picture
This bill also tackles the issue of consistent labeling across state lines. By adding this definition to the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (specifically, sections 403A(a)(2) and 403(z)), it aims for national uniformity. That means the "natural cheese" label will mean the same thing in Wisconsin as it does in California.
While the CURD Act seems straightforward, there's always a bit of fine print. For example, the bill allows for "safe, non-milk-derived ingredients" in natural cheese. This is where things could get a little sticky, and regulators will need to keep a close eye on what those ingredients are.
Overall, the CURD Act is about transparency. It's about making sure consumers know what they're buying, and that companies are playing fair. It might not be the most exciting piece of legislation, but it's a good example of how small changes can make a real difference in everyday life.