FDA Considering Rule that Nut Milks Can No Longer Be Called “Milk”

The FDA is considering restricting the use of the word “milk” to mammal’s milk. This would non-dairy milks like soy, almond, hemp, and coconut milk producers from referring to their products as “milk.” The National Milk Producers Federation has been asking the FDA to end the use of the word “milk” in non-dairy milk products since 2000, according to AP.

Mammals produce milk, plants don’t.” – Jim Mulhern, president of the National Milk Producers Federation

Related: Homemade Vegan Nut Milk Recipes

According to PBS, FDA Commissioner Scott Gottieb says that if the FDA decides to end the use of the word “milk” by non-dairy milks, the FDA, in about a year, will probably start by notifying non-dairy milk companies of the possible change and seek public input. Scott also says that the FDA would likely face lawsuits from the non-dairy industries, and adds that the dictionary definition of milk does include milk produced from nuts.

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