The U.S. Department of Agriculture has issued a final rule amending the definition of Class I fluid milk products in all Federal milk marketing orders effective Jan. 1, 2011.
These amendments, which were approved by producers, maintain the current 6.5 percent nonfat milk solid standard and incorporates an alternative 2.25 percent true milk protein criterion to determine whether a product meets the compositional standard for fluid milk products.
The new rule requires a milk product to have less than 2.25% protein, as well as less than 6.5% skim milk solids, in order to be exempted from Class I status on the basis of its skim solid composition. Previously, the product could be exempt with only a skim milk solids test below 6.5%. This closes a pricing loophole that encouraged some processors to formulate low-lactose milk products in order to get them priced as Class II products.
This rule 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.
Latest: 
