TPA Opposes FDA Speech Overreach

For Immediate Release                                                                             Contact: Abigail Graham: (202) 417-7235

June 6, 2022                                                                                                            

Washington, D.C. – The Taxpayers Protection Alliance (TPA) responded to recent reports the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) intends to put limits on the labelling of plant-based milks in the marketplace.

Patrick Hedger, TPA Executive Director, offered the following statement:

“While some argue that there is consumer confusion in the marketplace over the term ‘milk’ when it comes to plant-based beverages, there’s virtually no evidence of that. These are terms that we have been using for years—and changing them now, would likely cause more confusion to consumers. The FDA already has stringent regulations in place for nutrition labels, which includes all relevant information to the consumer.

“Enacting these measures would add unnecessary regulations to the marketplace and infringe upon commercial free speech.”

Lindsey Stroud, Director of TPA’s Consumer Center, offered the following comment:

“Instead of addressing the numerous issues the FDA currently faces, including baby formula shortages and the years-delayed-authorization for thousands of novel tobacco harm reduction products, this bloated federal agency is unwavering in extending its already-overreaching authority upon consumers and manufacturers alike.

“At a time when American families are facing unprecedented costs for food and other household staples, the FDA is determined to issue even more costly regulations on manufacturers, which will ultimately drive-up prices – and issues – for struggling American families.

“Rather than imposing draconian regulations that are not needed to ensure safety nor nutritional value, the FDA ought to focus on other timely issues rather than straining already-burdened consumers.”

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 Taxpayers Protection Alliance (TPA) is a non-profit, non-partisan organization dedicated to educating the public through the research, analysis and dissemination of information on the government’s effects on the economy.