Fair Access to Co-ops for Veterans Act of 2025

House Bill

H.R. 1803

119th Congress

Fair Access to Co-ops for Veterans Act of 2025

In Committee

Introduced:Oct 10, 2025

Primary Sponsor

Grace Meng

Representative

Democratic

NY-6

Cosponsors

15

Quick Stats

Policy Area

Agriculture and Food

Summary

The Fair Access to Co-ops for Veterans Act of 2025 establishes a legal definition for 'natural cheese' that excludes processed cheeses and cheese products. This means food labels cannot use the term 'natural cheese' unless the product meets the new definition.

Latest Action

ASSUMING FIRST SPONSORSHIP - Mr. Steil asked unanimous consent that he may hereafter be considered as the first sponsor of H.R. 1803, a bill originally introduced by Representative Gallagher, for the purpose of adding cosponsors and requesting reprintings pursuant to clause 7 of rule XII. Agreed to without objection.

AI Summary

Plain-English explanation of this bill

The Fair Access to Co-ops for Veterans Act of 2025 establishes a legal definition for 'natural cheese' that excludes processed cheeses and cheese products. This means food labels cannot use the term 'natural cheese' unless the product meets the new definition.

Last updated: 12/29/2025

Official Summary

Congressional Research Service summary

Codifying Useful Regulatory Definitions Act or the CURD Act This bill establishes a statutory definition for natural cheese. Under the bill, natural cheese is defined as cheese (ripened or unripened soft, semi-soft, or hard) that is produced from animal milk or certain dairy ingredients and is produced in accordance with established cheese-making standards. The definition excludes pasteurized process cheeses, cheese foods, and cheese spreads. A food is deemed misbranded and may not be sold if it does not meet this definition and its label includes the term natural cheese as a factual descriptor of a category of cheese.

Key Points

Main provisions of the bill

Defines 'natural cheese' as cheese made from animal milk or dairy ingredients, excluding processed cheeses and cheese foods/spreads
Requires food labels to accurately reflect the type of cheese, prohibiting the use of 'natural cheese' on products that don't meet the definition
Aims to provide consumers with clearer information about the cheese products they are buying

How This Impacts Americans

Potential effects on citizens and communities

This bill would primarily impact cheese producers and consumers. Cheese companies would need to adjust their labeling to comply with the new 'natural cheese' definition. Consumers would benefit from more transparent cheese product information, allowing them to make more informed purchasing decisions.

Policy Areas

Primary Policy Area

Agriculture and Food

Related Subjects

Food supply, safety, and labeling

Scope & Jurisdiction

Jurisdiction Level

federal

Congressional Session

119th Congress

Citation Reference

1803, 119th Congress (2025). "Fair Access to Co-ops for Veterans Act of 2025". Source: Voter's Right Platform. https://votersright.org/bills/118-hr-1803