FDA Considering Changes to Chocolate Milk Labeling Rules

WASHINGTONShould the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) ease labeling requirements for flavored milk that includes artificial sweeteners? The International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) and National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) think so.

Although milk can include sucralose and other artificial sweeteners that are less fattening than sugar, current federal rules require labels that don't appeal to children, according to a 2009 petition the FDA is considering.

In a consumer update Monday, FDA said IDFA and NMPF have asked for the right to label a milk carton containing artificial sweeteners "chocolate milk" rather than having to prominently display such labels as "reduced calorie" or "no added sugar".

"IDFA and NMPF state that the proposed amendments would promote more healthful eating practices and reduce childhood obesity by providing for lower-calorie flavored milk products," FDA stated in a notice published in the Federal Register. "They state that lower-calorie flavored milk would particularly benefit school children who, according to IDFA and NMPF, are more inclined to drink flavored milk than unflavored milk at school."

Under the proposed "standard of identity" changes to milk and 17 other milk and cream products, the artificial sweeteners would still need to be listed on the back or side of the product, FDA explained. Other products that are subject to the proposed changes include nonfat dry milk, heavy cream, eggnog, half-and-half and sour cream.

The agency has received roughly 30,000 public comments on the petition, which is still open for comment until May 21. FDA noted consumers appear to be under the mistaken impression that the artificial sweeteners wouldn't have to be listed anywhere on the product.

If we granted the petition, a carton of chocolate milk made with non-nutritive sweeteners would simply say chocolate milk, the same as a carton made with nutritive sweeteners, such as sugar," explained Felicia Billingslea, director of FDAs Food Labeling and Standards staff, in a statement. You would need to read the ingredient list, which is typically on the back or the side of the product, in order to tell the difference between the two."