The U.S. Food & Drug Administration is reopening the comment period on its proposed rule that would allow the use of fluid ultra-filtered (UF) milk in the manufacture of certain cheeses and related cheese products. The agency is reopening the comment period to solicit any new information on current industry practices regarding the use of fluid UF milk and fluid UF nonfat milk and their labeling when used as ingredients.

The proposed rule, which was issued on Oct. 19, 2005, would amend the definitions of “milk” and “nonfat milk” for cheeses and related cheese products in FDA’s regulations on food standards (often referred to as standards of identity). In 2017, FDA issued guidance to industry indicating that it was exercising enforcement discretion regarding the use and ingredient labeling of fluid UF milk and fluid UF nonfat milk in the manufacture of standardized cheeses and related cheese products while it considered rule-making. FDA has seen the marketplace evolve and believes it is appropriate to give interested parties another opportunity to comment on the issues raised by the rule-making.

UF milk is raw or pasteurized milk that is mechanically filtered to concentrate the proteins in the milk. In the process, some of the lactose, minerals and water-soluble vitamins are lost, along with water. The resulting protein concentrate is easier and more cost effective to ship. This same process applies to UF nonfat milk, except that raw or pasteurized nonfat milk is used.

Comments are being accepted for 90 days.

Submit electronic comments via https://www.regulations.gov to docket folder FDA-2007-0629.

Written comments should be sent to:
Dockets Management Staff (HFA-305)
Food & Drug Administration
5630 Fishers Lane, Rm. 1061
Rockville, MD 20852