USDA Issues Final Rule Amending Fluid Milk Definition in All Federal Milk Orders

AMS No. 150-10

Becky Unkenholz (202) 270-8998Becky.Unkenholz@ams.usda.gov

WASHINGTON, Aug. 24, 2010 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture today 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. 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.

The final rule appears in today’s Federal Register and becomes effective Jan. 1, 2011. 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

Follow us on Twitter to receive the latest press releases, stories, and important updates about the Agricultural Marketing Service at: http://twitter.com/USDA_AMS_NEWS.

USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender. To file a complaint of discrimination, write: USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Ave., S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call (800) 795-3272(voice), or (202) 720-6382 (TDD).