Lifeway Applauds Federal Drug Administration’s Steps to Reinforce that Kefir is a Dairy Product
October 08 2018 - 12:09PM
To remedy consumer confusion surrounding ingredients and
nutritional benefits of both dairy and plant-based products, FDA
Commissioner Scott Gottlieb, M.D., has invited comments as part of
the agency’s process of issuing guidance on the proper labeling of
kefir, among other items, as a dairy product. In the request for
information, the FDA specifically identified the misuse of kefir,
the name of a dairy food, on plant-based product labels. The FDA
expressed concern that plant-based products bearing the names of
dairy foods are often packaged like their dairy counterparts and
often sold in or adjacent to dairy displays in stores, but “may not
have the same basic nature, essential characteristics, and
characterizing ingredients as their dairy counterparts.” In
an accompanying news release, Commissioner Gottlieb stated,
“consumers should be able to know at a quick glance what type of
product they’re purchasing for themselves and their families.
Implementing clear and transparent food labels and claims is an
issue I’ve made a high priority.” The Commissioner reiterated that
the FDA will issue guidance that provides greater clarity on
appropriate labeling of plant-based products.
Lifeway Foods, Inc., (Nasdaq: LWAY), has been the leading U.S.
supplier of kefir, a 2000 year old cultured dairy product, since
1986. The company provides this high quality probiotic product to
help support the microbiome. Clear labeling standards, such as
ensuring that the names of dairy foods like kefir are not used with
non-dairy products and that labels fully and accurately disclose
active cultures, ensure shoppers have access to the ingredient and
nutrition knowledge that they need to make informed decisions about
their health. Along with the delicious taste, consumers have an
expectation of nutritional support from legitimate and accurately
labeled kefir products. Current labeling confusion around dairy and
plant-based products is a major concern for the industry.
“I am proud to report that after decades of working with the FDA
and Health & Human Services, they have officially sided with us
and today started the process of clarifying the proper use of dairy
terms, including kefir,” said Lifeway Foods CEO Julie Smolyansky.
“Kefir is a 2000-year-old product with a rich, storied history and
over 100 years of medical research behind it. It is one of the
oldest living bacteria and, when fermented in dairy, becomes a
special superfood that has survived war and famines. Kefir was
considered by our ancestors to be a gift from the gods. It has
stood the test of time. Kefir traveled across the ocean with my
family to the United States 32 years ago when we launched Lifeway
Foods. When people buy and consume kefir, they expect to get
certain benefits and certain nutritional support. Over the years,
we have seen a rise in faux kefir products that don't offer kefir's
health and nutritional benefits. It is our obligation to protect
the word and ensure that products labeled as “kefir” are authentic.
We are committed to a marketplace that does not confuse consumers
with fake and falsely labeled foods. I look forward to continuing
to work with various regulatory arms and our industry on this
important work at the FDA, and on the next step: formalizing a
separate standard of identity for kefir.”
Commissioner Gottlieb’s statement can be found
at:https://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm621824.htm
The FDA’s accompanying Notice can be found at:
https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2018/09/28/2018-21200/use-of-the-names-of-dairy-foods-in-the-labeling-of-plant-based-products
About Lifeway Foods, Inc. Lifeway Foods, Inc.
(LWAY), which has been named one of Forbes’ Best Small Companies,
is America’s leading supplier of the probiotic fermented beverage
known as kefir. In addition to its line of drinkable kefir, the
company also produces frozen kefir, specialty cheeses and a ProBugs
line for kids. Lifeway’s tart and tangy cultured dairy products are
sold across the United States, Canada, Latin America and the United
Kingdom. Learn how Lifeway is good for more than just you at
Lifewaykefir.com.
Find Lifeway Foods on Facebook:
http://facebook.com/lifewaykefirFollow Lifeway Foods on Twitter:
http://twitter.com/lifeway_kefir Watch clips on YouTube:
http://youtube.com/user/lifewaykefir
For more information, visit http://lifewaykefir.com/
Company Contact: Derek
Miller847-967-1010DerekM@Lifeway.net
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