Costa Introduces Bipartisan CURD Act to Codify the Definition of 'Natural Cheese'
WASHINGTON – Congressman Jim Costa (CA-21), alongside Representatives Mike Gallagher (WI-08), Bryan Steil (WI-01), Angie Craig (MN-02), Glenn Grothman (WI-06), Jimmy Panetta (CA-19), and Scott Fitzgerald (WI-05), introduced the bipartisan CURD (Codifying Useful Regulatory Definitions) Act to help better inform consumers’ cheese purchasing decisions. This bill would codify a formal definition of “natural cheese,” a term commonly used on food packaging that currently has no official definition.
“California is the leading dairy producing state in the nation, providing cheese varieties that rate among the finest in the world,” said Costa. “This legislation will provide clarity for consumers to make informed decisions when purchasing and enjoying delicious California cheese.”
"Wisconsin dairy farmers make the best cheese in the world and take great pride in what they do," said Gallagher. "Clearly defining what is and isn't 'natural cheese' is a common sense step that promotes transparency in food labeling and recognizes the time, ingredients, and work our dairy industry puts into their products."
“Farmers across Minnesota who work hard to produce high-quality products deserve to have those products labeled accurately, and consumers should know exactly what they’re purchasing at the grocery store or farmer’s market,” said Craig. “Our legislation will increase transparency in food labeling and ensure our farmers’ hard work is recognized.”
“The CURD Act is common-sense legislation that will help families make informed decisions when purchasing groceries,” said Steil. “Wisconsin is a world-class producer of cheese, and consumers deserve to know whether they are buying natural cheese or processed cheese.”
“People need to know exactly what they are buying when it comes to the food that they feed their families, including cheese,” said Panetta. “By codifying a formal definition of ‘natural cheese’ we can empower consumers to understand how their cheeses are made, the inherent differences between natural cheese and processed cheese, and better recognize the hard work and craftsmanship of cheese by our dairy farmers all across the country.”
"The CURD Act is an important piece of legislation that further sets apart high-quality Wisconsin cheese products from those that wish they were. I’m proud to support this necessary legislation and look forward to advocating on its behalf as we consider the Farm Bill this Congress," said Fitzgerald.
The term “natural cheese” is historically used to identify cheeses made directly from milk and distinguish those products from process cheeses. Under the CURD Act, “natural cheese” would be defined as cheese that is produced from animal milk or other dairy ingredients and is produced in accordance with established cheese-making practices.
Some examples of natural cheeses are:
Cheddar cheese
Swiss cheese
Feta cheese
Cream cheese
Havarti cheese
Parmesan cheese
Gruyere cheese
String Cheese
U.S. Senators Ron Johnson (R-WI), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Jim Risch (R-ID), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Mike Crapo (R-ID), Mike Braun (R-IN), and Peter Welch (D-VT) introduced bipartisan companion legislation in the U.S. Senate.
You can read the full text of the bill HERE.