CA Legislative Updates (Healthy Kids Act, Food Safety, etc.)

In May, I had the privilege to attend both the Global Dairy Platform and the International Marketing Promotion (IMP) Group meetings in Canada. They served as powerful reminders of how quickly AI is reshaping the world and creating new possibilities, as well as how the dairy community can continue to work together to strengthen its impact globally. 

At the Global Dairy Platform meeting, I had the privilege of moderating a session on the evolving impacts of GLP 1 medications and their implications for dairy foods, exploring how dairy’s protein and nutrient story can be elevated with even greater clarity as a solution for consumers focused on weight loss.

At the IMP Group meeting, I shared about Dairy Council of California’s exciting partnership with PBS and San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools through The Great Food Quest series, showing how creative collaborations help students understand farm to-school, where milk comes from, and how to make smart choices on their lunch trays. What inspired me most at IMP was learning from colleagues around the world who are reaching young people in innovative and authentic ways to grow their love of dairy. 

I left the meetings energized and inspired by how strongly dairy continues to win globally on health, nutrition and trust. And of course, no global dairy gathering is complete without exceptional (Canadian) cheese, camaraderie and connection.  

Remembering Fred Denier

It is with great sadness that I share the passing of longtime Dairy Council of CA board member Fred Denier on May 5, 2026, at the age of 66. Fred served on the board from 2006 to 2024, offering steady leadership, deep industry expertise and a strong commitment to the mission. He and his brother Richard managed Cal-Denier Dairy for more than 40 years, and Fred was a dedicated advocate for both the dairy community and agricultural education.

Fred also supported Dairy Council of CA’s outreach efforts through the donation of Snickers the cow, a beloved part of the Mobile Dairy Classroom program that helped bring agriculture to life for students across the Sacramento region.

Fred is survived by his wife, Cathy, and sons Jonathan and Trevor. I extend our sincere condolences to his family and all who knew him. 

Read more about Fred’s life and legacy here.

Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act Final Rule

On May 8, 2026, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) issued a final rule expanding milk options in federal Child Nutrition Programs by allowing whole and reduced fat (2%) milk options to participants ages 2 years and older. Whole and 2% milk will be allowed in the following programs: the National School Lunch Program (NSLP), the School Breakfast Program (SBP), the Child and Adult Care Food Program, the Special Milk Program, afterschool snacks through NSLP, preschool meals under NSLP and SBP, and competitive foods sold in schools, also called Smart Snacks. 

The rule is effective June 8, 2026, with a public comment period from May 8 through June 8. Members of the dairy community are encouraged to get involved and share their input through the public comment process. Public comments can be submitted online through the Federal Register. 

Dairy Council of CA intends to submit public comments and will share messaging with the dairy community to support your efforts. I also encourage you to view the recorded webinar “Whole Milk and Dairy in Schools: Supporting Student Health and Success.”  

SNAP Retailer Stocking Standards

Earlier in May, the USDA issued a final rule on staple food stocking requirements for retailer participation in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). The final rule will go into effect July 7, 2026, with implementation by November 4, 2026. The rule doubles the variety of staples a retailer is required to carry to be SNAP eligible—from three varieties per staple category (12 varieties total) to seven in each (28 varieties total). 


Key implications for dairy foods:

• Retailers must still carry seven dairy varieties overall to meet SNAP standards.
• Flavored milk, sour cream and shredded cheese are now counted as separate varieties.
• New limits are placed on plant-based alternatives, allowing only three to count toward the dairy stocking requirement.
• Butter has been removed from the staple foods list and reclassified as an accessory food.

California Legislative Update

The March Elevated News included the following food and nutrition-related bills: 

• AB 2171 (Nutrition benefits: sweetened drinks and candy) and SB 1134 (SNAP to Thrive Act) which aimed to restrict purchase of sweetened beverages, candy and packaged desserts (SB 1134 only) using SNAP/CalFresh benefits.
• AB 2034 (Food safety: unsafe additives and ingredient disclosures) which aimed to reform food chemical safety by requiring companies to demonstrate the safety of the food additives used in products sold in California. 
  

These bills were recently held in committee and are considered dead for this session. These particular bills raised concerns for the dairy community due to their potential implications for dairy foods. Dairy Council of CA will continue to monitor and provide updates on legislative developments that may impact the California dairy community.   

Healthy Eating Research UPF Definition

Healthy Eating Research recently published a consensus paper on ultra-processed foods (UPFs) that could shape future federal and state policy discussions. The consensus paper from a panel of experts assessed evidence to both recommend a definition of UPF and “identify policy options to reduce exposure and consumption of UPFs in the U.S.” 

The proposed definition uses Nova group 4 as the scientific foundation for identifying UPFs. For policy purposes, the panel proposes an ingredient-marker approach: A packaged food would be considered a UPF if it contains at least one Nova group 4 marker, either a cosmetic additive or an ingredient of non-culinary use. Using this one-size-fits-all approach has the potential to limit access to several nutrient-dense dairy foods. 

Implications for dairy foods:

• Healthy Eating Research noted that many yogurts met the dairy food group requirement but exceeded added sugar or saturated fat thresholds, classifying them as a UPF. Common UPF markers in yogurt include thickeners, emulsifiers, sweeteners and flavors.
• The framework could also affect other value-added dairy foods, including flavored milk, drinkable yogurts, dairy-based protein beverages, processed cheese products, frozen dairy desserts and dairy-containing meal replacements or bars.
• Dairy-derived ingredients such as whey, casein, lactose, milk protein isolate and whey protein could be treated as UPF markers when used in packaged foods, even when they support protein content, texture, functionality or nutrient density.

Dairy Council of CA continues to monitor regulatory actions on UPFs and will keep the dairy community apprised of updates and implications for dairy foods. The Dairy Council of CA team has developed an informative handout to help navigate scientific evidence on food processing and health to make informed food and nutrition policies.

You can download the handout here.

June Is Dairy Month

National Dairy Month is just around the corner, and it is a celebratory time to highlight the role dairy plays in supporting healthy communities across California. This year’s campaign will focus on dairy’s contributions to nutrition, nutrition access and community wellness, including support for summer meal programs.

Access the campaign landing page and toolkit to see how you can participate: DairyCouncilofCA.org/JIDM

Yogurt & Fermented Milk Products Short Course at UC Davis

Registration is now open for the Yogurt & Fermented Milk Products short course on June 15–16, 2026, at University of California, Davis. This California Dairy Innovation Center program is designed to inform you with insights and to present relevant research. Ashley Rosales, Dairy Council of CA’s Nutrition & Industry Affairs Officer, will be presenting on trends and translating the science for consumers on dairy fermented foods in healthy eating patterns.

View the full program here. 

To register, send your email, title and company name to nvanbuskirk@cmab.net

California Creamery Operators Association Annual Meeting 

Registration is now open for the California Creamery Operators Association annual meeting, June 29–30 at the Tahoe Blue Event Center in beautiful South Lake Tahoe. I will be presenting on dairy’s role in the food and nutrition and policy landscape, which is part of this year’s conference theme, The Return to Real, Dairy at the Center of Modern Nutrition. The meeting is a great place to network and learn more about the latest California-specific challenges and opportunities for dairy.

Spotlight on Dairy Research & Media

• Research: More than 20 international experts convened a workshop in February 2025 titled Human Dietary Protein Needs and Benefits: A Critical Assessment of Postulated Propositions. A manuscript of the workshop was recently published, discussing protein needs and updated dietary recommendations. Read the full manuscript here.
• Research: A recent Canadian study was published that found whole milk consumption at age 5 years was associated with lower adiposity and obesity indicators in middle childhood. Read the full study here.

If you have questions, concerns or feedback you would like to share, please do not hesitate to reach out.

Best regards, 

Amy DeLisio, CEO
Dairy Council of California
adelisio@DairyCouncilofCA.org