CURD Act

This bill, known as the Codifying Useful Regulatory Definitions Act or CURD Act, aims to enhance consumer transparency and consistency by establishing a clear legal definition for "natural cheese." Congress finds that defining this term is necessary to help consumers differentiate between natural and process cheeses, a distinction recognized within the cheese-making industry for over 50 years. The legislation amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to define natural cheese as a ripened or unripened product made by coagulating milk protein and partially draining whey, resulting in a concentrated protein content. This definition includes products made through similar processing techniques and allows for specific non-milk derived ingredients, aligning with existing standards of identity. Crucially, it explicitly excludes various forms of process cheeses , such as pasteurized process cheeses, cheese foods, and spreads, ensuring a distinct separation. The bill mandates that any food labeled with the term "natural cheese" as a factual descriptor must adhere to this new statutory definition, preventing misbranding. This provision ensures consumers receive accurate product information and establishes national uniformity for the labeling requirement, preventing individual states from creating differing standards.