Lester M. Crawford, D.V.M., Ph.D.

Deputy Commissioner of Food & Drugs

 U.S. Food & Drug Administration

5600 Fishers Lane

Rockville, MD 20857

 

RE: Milk & Milk Product Labeling Practices Dear Dr. Crawford:

 

The Food Industry Alliance (FIA) of New York State is a statewide trade association in New York representing the full spectrum of the grocery industry. FIA's members include large interstate, multi-unit chain stores, independent supermarkets, convenience stores, and small neighborhood grocers as well as distributors, wholesalers and cooperatives - in total over 21,000 food stores.

 

FIA fully supports the principle that consumers have a right to know the facts concerning the milk and dairy products they consume, and that such facts should be communicated in a truthful, straightforward manner. Our members are concerned, however, about the accuracy of certain claims being made by some processors and retailers in the process of advertising milk and/or milk products.