The surprisingly heated fight over what makes 'milk' milk

Why both the dairy and plant-based milk industries are up in arms over draft guidance from the FDA

Glass of milk pattern.
(Image credit: DBenitostock/Getty Images.)

In late February, the Food and Drug Administration issued long-awaited draft guidance on how to refer to plant-based milk alternatives like soy milk, oat milk, and almond milk. But not everyone was pleased with the nonbinding recommendations — among the document's critics were Sens. Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.) and James Risch (R-Idaho); the dairy industry; and even plant-based milk advocates Here's a look at the curiously contentious fight over the definition of milk:

What did the FDA advise?

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Peter Weber, The Week US

Peter has worked as a news and culture writer and editor at The Week since the site's launch in 2008. He covers politics, world affairs, religion and cultural currents. His journalism career began as a copy editor at a financial newswire and has included editorial positions at The New York Times Magazine, Facts on File, and Oregon State University.