Big ag is behind this one. They've masked this under a sweet name called: The Dairy Pride act. Sign below if you want to help. Not doing so would cause an increase in prices of alternative plant based milks.
Catgirl, this isn't addressed to or AT you, certainly not, just to the bill and concept. And it is only my opinion.
And please know I did a good amount of research on the issue before posting (better than cleaning floors tonight) and this isn't meant to discourage others, only to make them think before they put their John Hancock on something they don't really know a lot about, like I didn't till I researched it.
My opinion- This bill and petition are somewhat problematic.
Senator Baldwin from Wisconsin should thought twice before she submitted this bill for consideration. (And to note- there are no co-signers on it- telling us something.)
My Concerns...
1. Children aren't drinking as much cow's milk, true, but it isn't because they don't know the difference between almond milk and regular milk or they may get confused.
It is because there are a lot more choices today than there were when I was little, and many of the choices taste better, like soda, slurpies, fruit juices, teas, etc.
Those "alternative drinks" are the industries that need to be addressed if anyone needs to address this situation at all.
2. Parents are purchasing alternatives because they purposely want to change it up. Variety.
The bill says alternative milks don't have the same or as many nutrients as cow's milk.
True, some milk doesn't have as much FAT as other kinds of milk, for example. Each "milk" has differing nutrients and benefits, as well as potential concerns. But, I do believe we know the difference between regular milk and coconut milk and don't need legislation to address a name change.
3. I purposely buy alternative milk sometimes, and I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE, more than anyone I know, cow's milk. Lord, bless the cows that give us milk!
The alternative milks, however, often have 2 x as much calcium, which I need. So the not having enough nutrients argument doesn't really hold water with me, or hold "milk".
4. They are assuming consumers don't know the difference and are afraid people will think that cows are eating lots of almonds making it "almond milk", or a lot of soy beans making it "soy milk".
Actually, I don't know anyone quite that dumb. At least no one who can get themselves to the grocery store on their own and purchase food.
5. The bill interferes with free trade and violators are going to actually be punished for calling coconut milk "milk". Come on! It also adds more regulations to enforce on the FDA's plate, as if they didn't have enough work to do already.
6. When a petition or an article doesn't give you details or links to the actual bill, you need to check it out even more than normal. I finally found it and it is goofy to say the least.
7. Consider the source. The article is in the LA Times- one paper we have major problems with when it comes to Lyme issues. In fact, it is an "Op-ED". That tells me something.
The bill is also is coming out of Wisconsin, a state that has been sort of off the charts in the political world for a good while now.
8. With all the turmoil in the world, do we really need to spend time, money and energy on what we should be calling coconut or almond milk? Or deal with this kind of legislation?
Link to the ‘‘Defending Against Imitations and Replacements of Yogurt, Milk, and Cheese To Promote Regular Intake of Dairy Everyday Act’’ or the ‘‘DAIRY PRIDE Act.’’
[ 02-04-2017, 07:48 AM: Message edited by: Tincup ]
Posted by BobG (Member # 39642) on :
I haven't researched this but there should be limits on what can be defined as yogurt, for example. One thing I know for sure. Yogurt isn't as good as it used to be. SOme of it has so much sugar, that it should probably be classified as candy.