Plain Language Summary
# CURD Act Summary **What the Bill Does** The CURD Act (Codifying Useful Regulatory Definitions Act) would create an official legal definition for "natural cheese" at the federal level. Under this bill, natural cheese would be defined as cheese made from animal milk or certain dairy ingredients following established cheese-making standards. Importantly, the definition would exclude processed cheese products like pasteurized process cheese, cheese foods, and cheese spreads. Any food product that doesn't meet this definition would be prohibited from using the label "natural cheese." **Who It Affects and Current Status** This bill primarily affects cheese manufacturers, food labeling practices, and potentially consumers looking to purchase natural cheese products.
It would give the food industry a clear, standardized definition to follow rather than relying on informal or varying standards. The bill is currently in committee and has not yet been voted on by the full House of Representatives. The bill was introduced by Rep. Bryan Steil, a Republican from Wisconsin—a state with a significant dairy and cheese industry.
CRS Official Summary
Codifying Useful Regulatory Definitions Act or the CURD ActThis bill establishes a statutory definition for natural cheese. Under the bill, natural cheese is defined as cheese (ripened or unripened soft, semi-soft, or hard) that is produced from animal milk or certain dairy ingredients and is produced in accordance with established cheese-making standards. The definition excludes pasteurized process cheeses, cheese foods, and cheese spreads.A food that does not meet this definition is deemed misbranded and may not be sold if its label includes the term natural cheese as a factual descriptor of a category of cheese.
Latest Action
Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.