Becky Unkenholz (202) 720-8998
WASHINGTON, D.C., June 14, 2010 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture today issued a final decision to amend the definition of Class I fluid milk products in all Federal milk marketing orders. These amendments were considered in a recommended decision published May 17, 2006.
Under the final decision, a product will meet the compositional standards for fluid milk products if it contains at least 6.5 percent nonfat milk solids or 2.25 percent true milk protein. This decision also amends the fluid milk product definition to provide exemptions for drinkable yogurt products containing at least 20 percent yogurt (by weight), kefir, and products intended to be meal replacements. The decision clarifies how milk and milk-derived ingredients should be priced under all Federal milk marketing orders when used in fluid milk products.
The final decision will be published in the June 14 Federal Register. These amendments are subject to producer approval before they can be implemented. For additional information about the decision contact:
Northeast: Erik F. RasmussenUSDA/AMS/Dairy ProgramsP.O. Box 51478, Boston, MA 02205-1478Tel. (617) 737-7199; email: erasmussen@fedmilk1.com
Appalachian: Harold H. Friedly, Jr. USDA/AMS/Dairy ProgramsP.O. Box 91528, Louisville, KY 40291-0528Tel. (502) 499-0040; email: friedly@malouisville.com
Florida and Southeast: Sue L. MosleyUSDA/AMS/Dairy Programs1550 North Brown Road, Suite 120, Lawrenceville, GA 30043Tel. (770) 682-2501; email: smosley@fmmatlanta.com
Upper Midwest: H. Paul KyburzUSDA/AMS/Dairy Programs1600 West 82nd Street, Suite 200, Minneapolis, MN 55431-1420Tel. (952) 831-5292; email: pkyburz@fmma30.com
Central: David C. StukenbergUSDA/AMS/Dairy ProgramsP.O. Box 14650, Shawnee Mission, KS 66285-4650Tel. (913) 495-9300; email: David.Stukenberg@fmmacentral.com
Mideast: Paul A. HuberUSDA/AMS/Dairy ProgramsP.O. Box 5102, Brunswick, OH 44212Tel. (330) 225-4758; email: phuber@fmmaclev.com
Pacific Northwest and Arizona: James R. DaughertyUSDA/AMS/Dairy Programs1930-220th St., SE., Suite 102 Bothell, WA 98021-8471Tel. (425) 487-6009; email: jdaugherty@fmmaseattle.com
Southwest: Cary HunterUSDA/AMS/Dairy ProgramsP.O. Box 110939, Carrollton, TX 75011-0939Tel. (972) 245-6060; email: sw.order@dallasma.com