46. Declaration of policy. It is hereby declared that the dairy industry is a paramount industry of the state and the production, processing, packaging, distribution and sale of milk products has become an enterprise of vast economic importance to the state and of vital importance to the consuming public of the state, and which should be encouraged and promoted in the public interest. It is further declared that milk and milk products have long been accepted by the consuming public as wholesome and nutritious articles of food. Advances in food technology have resulted in the development of a variety of products for similar usage including dairy foods with different composition than products now defined as well as products made with vegetable oils and proteins from sources other than dairy products, products which are similar in appearance, odor, or taste to dairy products, and which are difficult to differentiate from dairy products. It is further declared to be in the interest of the dairy industry and the consuming public to promote and encourage the development of new and different dairy products with varying proportions of fat, solids and other ingredients, including wholesome ingredients not now permitted in dairy products but which may be used without restriction in non-dairy products which are similar in appearance, odor or taste to dairy products. It is also declared to be in the interest of the dairy industry and particularly in the interest of the consuming public, that to the fullest extent possible, there be uniformity of definitions and standards for milk and milk products and in the labeling of milk and milk products between the various states to the end that there may be free movement of milk and milk products between states, and further to the end that the inefficiency, needless expense, and confusion caused by differences in products sold under the same name, and differences in labeling of identical products may be eliminated.
Last modified: February 3, 2019