Senator Doug Erickson has introduced legislation prohibiting plant-based products from being called milk in Washington.  The Ferndale Republican said Senate Bill 5349 is not just about protecting the dairy industry, it’s a truth in packaging issue.

 

“When you walk into a grocery store, and you see milk next to almond-milk, or soy-milk, there is a big difference between real milk and what people are claiming are real milk.  So truth in packaging, people have a right to know, and you shouldn’t be calling soy or almond or any other types of things milk.  Because they are not.”

 

This legislation is similar to the federal debate taking place in the USDA and FDA, but at the state level.  Last year, North Carolina enacted similar legislation, contingent on neighbors enacting similar laws.

 

Ericksen added the dairy industry is not easy in Washington.

 

“We’re over regulated, we’re over taxed, we’re facing a bunch of different hurdles and barriers, but the people that work in the industry have invested their time and their talents and their efforts to create a label, and to create a brand; and that’s milk.  And it’s wholesome and its good, and they have done a great job doing that so, I think the key thing is to support our dairy industry and also to give people the truth in labeling, we got to get this done.”

 

Click Here to learn more about SB 5349.

 

 

If you have a story idea for the Washington Ag Network, call (509) 547-1618, or e-mail gvaagen@cherrycreekradio.com

More From PNW Ag Network