Gallagher Introduces Bipartisan CURD Act to Codify Definition of 'Natural Cheese'

Rep. Mike Gallagher (R-WI), alongside Reps. Jim Costa (D-CA), Bryan Steil (R-WI), Angie Craig (D-MN), Glenn Grothman (R-WI), Jimmy Panetta (D-CA), and Scott Fitzgerald (R-WI), introduced the bipartisan CURD (Codifying Useful Regulatory Definitions) Act to help better inform consumers' cheese purchasing decisions. The CURD Act would codify a formal definition of "natural cheese," a term commonly used on food packaging that currently has no official definition.

"Wisconsin dairy farmers make the best cheese in the world and take great pride in what they do," said Rep. Gallagher. "Clearly defining what is and isn't 'natural cheese' is a common sense step that promotes transparency in food labeling and recognizes the time, ingredients, and work our dairy industry puts into their products."

"California is the leading dairy producing state in the nation, providing cheese varieties that rate among the finest in the world," said Rep. Costa. "This legislation will provide clarity for consumers to make informed decisions when purchasing and enjoying delicious California cheese."

"The CURD Act is common-sense legislation that will help families make informed decisions when purchasing groceries," said Rep. Steil. "Wisconsin is a world-class producer of cheese, and consumers deserve to know whether they are buying natural cheese or processed cheese."

"Farmers across Minnesota who work hard to produce high-quality products deserve to have those products labeled accurately, and consumers should know exactly what they're purchasing at the grocery store or farmer's market," said Rep. Craig. "Our legislation will increase transparency in food labeling and ensure our farmers' hard work is recognized."

"The CURD Act is an important piece of legislation that further sets apart high-quality Wisconsin cheese products from those that wish they were. I'm proud to support this necessary legislation and look forward to advocating on its behalf as we consider the Farm Bill this Congress," said Rep. Fitzgerald.

"People need to know exactly what they are buying when it comes to the food that they feed their families, including cheese," said Rep. Panetta. "By codifying a formal definition of 'natural cheese' we can empower consumers to understand how their cheeses are made, the inherent differences between natural cheese and processed cheese, and better recognize the hard work and craftsmanship of cheese by our dairy farmers all across the country."

The term "natural cheese" is historically used to identify cheeses made directly from milk and distinguish those products from process cheeses. Under the CURD Act, "natural cheese" would be defined as cheese that is produced from animal milk or other dairy ingredients and is produced in accordance with established cheese-making practices.

Some examples of natural cheeses are:

• Cheddar cheese
• Swiss cheese
• Feta cheese
• Cream cheese
• Havarti cheese
• Parmesan cheese
• Gruyere cheese
• String Cheese

U.S. Senators Ron Johnson (R-WI), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Jim Risch (R-ID), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Mike Crapo (R-ID), Mike Braun (R-IN), and Peter Welch (D-VT) introduced bipartisan companion legislation in the U.S. Senate.

You can read the full text of the bill HERE.