Dairy Regulations

IFT FIRST Expo to offer discussions on AI, GLP-1s, food safety and more

Fri, 05 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0400

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.

IDFA expands government relations team

Mon, 01 Jun 2026 12:33:03 -0400

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.

U.S. House of Representatives passes Farm Bill

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 12:34:46 -0400

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

Milk scores a "golden goal" versus plant-based beverages

Fri, 03 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0400

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.

FDA approval of Eli Lilly GLP-1 pill could be big for dairy processors

Wed, 01 Apr 2026 14:28:54 -0400

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.

USDA awards $2.99M grant to Auburn University Hunger Solutions Institute

Wed, 01 Apr 2026 10:03:07 -0400

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.

Coalition calls on USDA to focus on meat and dairy sourcing at schools

Mon, 30 Mar 2026 11:19:24 -0400

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.

FPSA to Host Food Loss & Waste Management webinar on April 8

Mon, 30 Mar 2026 07:00:00 -0400

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

Dietary Guidelines for Americans a huge boost for dairy industry

Mon, 09 Mar 2026 00:00:00 -0400

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.

Why times have never been better for the dairy industry

Wed, 04 Mar 2026 00:00:00 -0500

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.

Episode 62 — The latest on school milk programs

Tue, 03 Mar 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Cindy Cooper, assistant director of Health and Wellness for Atlanta-based The Dairy Alliance, joins Dairy Foods for Episode 62 of the “Let’s Talk Dairy” podcast.

IDFA promotes Andrew Jerome to senior vice president of strategic communications

Fri, 20 Feb 2026 09:43:26 -0500

The International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) announced that Andrew Jerome has been named senior vice president of strategic communications.

IDFA executive named CEO of International Bottled Water Association

Wed, 04 Feb 2026 15:56:52 -0500

With more than 20 years of experience in food and beverage policy, strategic communications, and high-stakes advocacy, Matt Herrick is uniquely qualified to strengthen IBWA’s position as a trusted authority on bottled water’s safety, sustainability, and consumer choice.

Rahm Emanuel hints at 2028 election bid during IDFA Dairy Forum

Thu, 29 Jan 2026 15:18:46 -0500

IDFA President and CEO Michael Dykes points out 2025 was great for the dairy industry with many potential areas for future growth.

Automation jumpstarts production, but the human touch Is still required for proper sanitation

Thu, 22 Jan 2026 08:00:00 -0500

Stringent food safety regulations will inspire innovation in machinery standards while encouraging dairy manufacturers to invest in high-quality processing equipment. However, staffing and skill levels remain industry challenges.

President Trump signs Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act into law

Wed, 14 Jan 2026 15:39:32 -0500

The bill allows schools to provide students with a variety of fluid milk options, which can now include flavored and unflavored organic or conventional whole, 2%, 1%, skim and lactose-free milk.

New Dietary Guidelines for Americans proves importance of dairy products

Wed, 07 Jan 2026 12:47:29 -0500

Tne new 2025-2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA) affirms dairy products' central role in federal nutrition recommendations, recommends Americans consume three servings of dairy each day, including whole milk, yogurt, cheese, and other dairy products.

Whole and 2% milk expected to return to America’s school cafeterias

Mon, 15 Dec 2025 15:08:06 -0500

The U.S. House of Representatives passed the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act of 2025

Keys takes on key role at IDFA

Mon, 01 Dec 2025 11:29:22 -0500

Chelsie Keys succeeds J. David Carlin, who announced his retirement from IDFA earlier this year after decades of leadership.

Agriculture Secretary Rollins: "We will never stop fighting for you"

Tue, 11 Nov 2025 11:34:11 -0500

Rollins spoke to some 750 farmers, cooperative leaders and industry professionals gathered to discuss industry topics ranging from an economic outlook to dairy labor challenges. 

IDFA calls the establishment of a regulatory definition for ultra-processed foods "premature"

Thu, 23 Oct 2025 11:34:59 -0400

“Nutrition policies must not intentionally or inadvertently discourage the consumption of nutrient-rich, yet under-consumed, food groups such as dairy. IDFA believes that setting a regulatory definition for ‘ultra-processed’ or ‘highly processed’ foods is premature given the inconsistent and inconclusive body of existing science and the absence of causation between the consumption of these foods and specific negative health outcomes. We maintain that nutrient-rich and processed foods are not mutually exclusive," stated Roberta Wagner, IDFA’s senior vice president of regulatory and scientific affairs.

Dairy checkoff introduces "Smart Swaps"

Mon, 22 Sep 2025 11:05:10 -0400

The farmer-founded National Dairy Council (NDC) created Smart Swaps for school nutrition professionals to include dairy on breakfast menus and adapt to evolving meal standards. The program offers training resources along with kid-approved breakfast recipes featuring dairy.

IDFA's J. David Carlin to retire

Wed, 10 Sep 2025 14:53:39 -0400

The association has begun a national search for Carlin’s successor to lead IDFA’s Government Relations team.

It is not too late for USDA to reverse the proposed WIC dairy cuts

Thu, 28 Aug 2025 00:00:00 -0400

Access to nutritious food is a critical contributor to positive health outcomes for all Americans. This is especially true for mothers, infants, and young children who need the vitamins and nutrients that dairy products provide in order to grow and thrive.

IDFA: School milk processors reduced added sugars by nearly 60% in flavored milk

Thu, 07 Aug 2025 11:05:14 -0400

Added sugar levels in flavored milk products sold at schools have plummeted by 57% since 2006 thanks to the voluntary, proactive efforts of America’s school milk processors. Calories associated with flavored milk have also declined, IDFA stated.

Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association makes key new hire

Tue, 15 Jul 2025 10:12:26 -0400

Amelia Neas was named its Programs & Policy Manager.

Ice cream makers to eliminate certified artificial colors by end of 2027

Mon, 14 Jul 2025 15:24:43 -0400

With this effort, dozens of U.S. ice cream companies are pledging to eliminate the use of certified artificial colors Red 3, Red 40, Green 3, Blue 1, Blue 2, Yellow 5, and Yellow 6 from their ice cream and frozen dairy desserts by 2028. The Commitment represents companies making more than 90% of the ice cream volume sold in the United States.

Lifeway Foods CEO proposes voluntary dairy certification standard

Wed, 18 Jun 2025 08:00:00 -0400

Speaking at The Wall Street Journal Global Food Forum on June 17, Smolyansky emphasized her hope that Lifeway's early proposal can serve as a catalyst for broader industry dialogue.

Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act picks up steam in Congress

Wed, 18 Jun 2025 00:00:00 -0400

Congress is considering legislation that would once again allow schools to serve whole milk to their students. Earlier this year, the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act was reintroduced with bipartisan support in both the House and Senate.

Thousands visit IDFA Capitol Hill Ice Cream Party

Thu, 12 Jun 2025 17:00:54 -0400

Taking place at Union Square Park on Capitol Hill, the popular summertime celebration provided attendees with America’s favorite and newest ice cream flavors, floats and novelties.