S184119th CongressWALLET

CURD Act

Sponsored By: Senator Ron Johnson

Introduced

Summary

Establishes a legal definition of "natural cheese" and limits use of that label to products that meet that definition. This bill would add a new definition to the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act that covers cheeses made by coagulating milk protein (for example with rennet) or by processing techniques that yield similar cheese, and it would allow certain safe non-milk ingredients. It expressly excludes pasteurized process cheeses, cheese foods, spreads, cold pack cheeses, grated American cheese food, and similar process products. A product could be labeled "natural cheese" only if it meets the new definition, though plain "natural" or "all-natural" claims remain allowed when they follow regulations, guidance, or policy from the Secretary. The bill would also update national uniformity rules to fold this new labeling provision into existing standards-of-identity enforcement.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

1 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.

New federal rules for natural cheese

This bill would add a federal definition of "natural cheese." Only products that meet that definition could be labeled "natural cheese." Many processed cheeses and similar products would be excluded from that label. The bill would still allow "natural" or "all-natural" claims if they follow FDA regulations or guidance. Cheese makers and stores would likely face new labeling and compliance costs.

Sponsors & CoSponsors

Sponsor

Ron Johnson

WI • R

Cosponsors

  • Sen. Wyden, Ron [D-OR]

    OR • D

    Sponsored 1/22/2025

  • Sen. Risch, James E. [R-ID]

    ID • R

    Sponsored 1/22/2025

  • Sen. Baldwin, Tammy [D-WI]

    WI • D

    Sponsored 1/22/2025

  • Sen. Crapo, Mike [R-ID]

    ID • R

    Sponsored 1/22/2025

  • Sen. Sanders, Bernard [I-VT]

    VT • I

    Sponsored 1/22/2025

  • Peter Welch

    VT • D

    Sponsored 10/15/2025

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

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