Nearly four years ago, IDFA and the National Milk Producers Federation filed a citizen's petition with the Food and Drug Administration requesting a modification of the standards for milk and other dairy products to allow the use of non-nutritive sweeteners. Just this week, FDA published the petition in the Federal Register along with the agency's request for public comment.The petition was and continues to be a direct attempt to keep flavored milks in school cafeterias, as federal agencies and consumer groups continue to push for lower-calorie milk and foods on school menus to combat increases in childhood obesity.
The current standard requires processors to use special labeling, such as "reduced-calorie chocolate milk," for milk made with non-nutritive sweeteners. This phrase, according to market research, doesn't appeal to children and has contributed to the overall decline in milk consumption in schools, the petition states.
Allowing milk processors to use any "safe and suitable" sweetener in flavored milk and still label it "milk" would help to stem the drop in consumption, while promoting healthy eating habits that will last a lifetime.
"Milk flavored with non-nutritive sweetener promotes public health by offering children and adolescents a beverage they are more likely to consume than plain milk and that has all of the nutritional benefits of milk and less sugar than milk flavored with nutritive sweeteners," the petition states.
There are at least five non-nutritive sweeteners approved by FDA for use in foods and beverages, including aspartame and sucralose. The agency has already updated the ice cream standard to allow these sweeteners in frozen desserts.
In addition to milk, the petition asks FDA to modify the standards for 17 other dairy products at the same time for administrative efficiency. These products include nonfat dry milk, sour cream, evaporated milk, whipping cream and yogurt.
