Reps. Sheltrown, DeRossett, Emmons, Brown, Elkins, Bieda, Hune, Gieleghem, Accavitti, Dennis, Gleason, Farrah, Sak, Gillard, O'Neil, Rivet, Byrum, Woodward, Hardman, Condino, Tobocman, Minore, Wojno, Cheeks, Plakas, Paletko, Spade, Williams, Meisner, Zelenko, Phillips, Anderson, Murphy, Kolb, Jamnick, Stallworth, Law, Hopgood, Stahl, Meyer, Lipsey, Amos, Caswell, Ehardt, Julian, LaSata, Vander Veen, Voorhees, Nofs and Palsrok offered the following concurrent resolution:

            House Concurrent Resolution No. 11.

            A concurrent resolution to memorialize the Congress of the United States to enact legislation that will address the issue of the improper labeling and classification of dairy products.

            Whereas, Technological advances have led to a dramatic increase in the use of imported dry milk protein concentrates (MPCs) in dairy products.  The widespread use of this technology has largely developed after the negotiations for the landmark General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GAAT).  Since MPCs are not subject to quotas and tariffs, they are imported into this country at much lower prices.  This economic advantage is wreaking havoc in the domestic dairy industry; and

            Whereas, Within the American dairy industry, there is great concern that not all manufacturers may be fully complying with requirements for listing accurately all ingredients in standardized food.  Since using MPCs in producing dairy products, including cheese, offers significant cost advantages, it is essential that labeling of products reflect the contents accurately.  It must be easy for consumers to identify companies that fully comply with standards of identity and that do not use imported MPCs; and

            Whereas, Since substituting MPCs offers price advantages in the marketplace, the volume of their use is increasing substantially.  The result is the displacement of domestic milk solids and the erosion of a major component of American agriculture.  Action needs to be taken to protect existing food standards and correct unlawful practices as soon as possible; now, therefore, be it

            Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate concurring), That we memorialize the Congress of the United States to enact legislation that will address the issue of the improper labeling and classification of dairy products; and be it further

            Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to the President of the United States Senate, the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, and the members of the Michigan congressional delegation.