In a statement issued on Sept. 27, FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb, M.D., said the FDA issued a request for information (RFI) in the Federal Register to solicit comments related to the labeling of plant-based dairy alternatives.

“The FDA supports choice and innovation in the marketplace, and we recognize that some consumers may prefer to use plant-based products instead of dairy products for a variety of reasons, including an allergy or lifestyle choice,” Gottlieb commented. “However, we must also ensure that the labeling of such products does not mislead consumers, especially if this could compromise their health and well-being.”

The FDA hopes to receive new data submissions as part of the RFI to help the agency learn more about the nutritional profiles of different milk, modified milk, cultured milk, yogurt and cheese products compared to plant-based products (including fortified versions) that are being marketed as dairy substitutes, he noted. Read the full statement here.