Dairy Regulations

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The IFT FIRST Annual Event and Expo returns to Chicago from July 12-15, showcasing innovations in food science. This year features scientific programming within the expo hall, Ignite Sessions for professional development, and keynotes addressing pressing industry challenges.

The expanded team is led by Chelsie Keys, senior vice president, government relations, and includes Rob Rosado, vice president, legislative affairs, who for six years has elevated IDFA’s advocacy efforts and Adam Tarr, vice president, legislative affairs, who joined IDFA in March. IDFA also announced that Darrin Youker has joined the association as director, state government relations, and Cal Wilson has joined as manager, government affairs. Youker and Wilson will report to Keys. 

 Legislation is expected to expand dairy nutrition incentives in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and strengthen key dairy programs.

Fluid milk outperformed its main rival, plant-based beverages, in 2025. While fluid milk sales remained steady, plant-based drink sales fell 6% YoY to 358.4 million gallons. The Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act seeks to boost milk sales in schools, highlighting traditional milk's nutritional benefits amid competition.

Foundayo will be available via LillyDirect, with prescriptions accepted immediately and shipping beginning April 6, followed shortly after by broad availability through U.S. retail pharmacies and telehealth providers, the company said.

The award includes 75 new HFMI locations in Arkansas, Georgia, Kansas, Minnesota, and Oklahoma, along with the renewal of 94 existing sites in Alabama, California, and South Dakota.

In a letter to Secretary Brooke Rollins and USDA Food and Nutrition Service leadership, the coalition warns that increasing protein requirements without stronger sourcing standards could deepen reliance on industrial livestock supply chains that depend on routine antibiotics, growth-promoting drugs, and feed. 

Bob Garrison, Director of Industry Engagement- Food & Beverage Manufacturing and Innovation Sector for BNP Media, Dairy Foods' parent company, will serve as moderator.

The new DGA emphasizes the need for 1.2-1.6 grams of high-quality protein per kilogram of body weight daily, nearly doubling past recommendations. It advises including a variety of protein sources from both animals and plants, while dairy remains a valuable nutritional option for all ages.

Transformative changes are underway for the dairy industry in 2026, with new Dietary Guidelines promoting whole dairy products and the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act enabling diverse milk options in schools. These developments mark a "platinum era" for dairy, enhancing health and consumer choice.