WASHINGTON, Feb. 13, 2025—Michael Dykes, D.V.M., president and CEO of the International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA), released the following statement today following the U.S. Senate’s confirmation of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to lead the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS):
“On behalf our nation’s dairy supply chain, IDFA congratulates Mr. Kennedy on his confirmation as U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services. We look forward to working with Mr. Kennedy to advance the health of Americans by encouraging consumption of fresh, wholesome, and nutritious dairy foods and protecting our nation’s consumers from foodborne illnesses. For too long, inflexible, burdensome regulations have stifled innovation and production efficiencies for dairy processors while outdated nutrition policies have discouraged Americans from consuming milk, yogurt, cheese, and other wholesome dairy products that contribute essential nutrients—including calcium, potassium, vitamin D, and protein—to our diets. America’s dairy industry stands ready to support Mr. Kennedy’s efforts to combat chronic disease, reduce foodborne illnesses, and ensure all Americans have access to safe and affordable dairy nutrition.”
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Contact: press@idfa.org
The International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA), Washington, D.C., represents the nation’s dairy manufacturing and marketing industry, which supports more than 3.2 million jobs that generate $49 billion in direct wages and $794 billion in overall economic impact. IDFA’s diverse membership ranges from multinational organizations to single-plant companies, from dairy companies and cooperatives to food retailers and suppliers, all on the cutting edge of innovation and sustainable business practices. Together, they represent most of the milk, cheese, ice cream, yogurt and cultured products, and dairy ingredients produced and marketed in the United States and sold throughout the world. Delicious, safe and nutritious, dairy foods offer unparalleled health and consumer benefits to people of all ages.