The Lowdown on Low-Fat Milk

Americans may get some help soon in deciding how much fat is in that morning glass of milk.

Congress in 1990 voted that 2% milk could be labeled low-fat even though it isn’t. Federal law says 3 grams of fat per serving is the most that every other food can contain and still advertise as a low-fat alternative--but 2% milk has 5 grams per serving.

The milk industry agreed with consumer groups in May that that was confusing consumers--and on Thursday the Food and Drug Administration proposed new regulations to clear things up.

The proposed rules say 2% milk should be labeled “reduced fat,” since it’s better than whole milk but not as good as skim. Skim milk gets an advertising advantage--it can advertise as “fat-free.”

The changes, which also apply to other dairy foods, “will make it easier for consumers to shop . . . for healthier dairy foods,” said Bruce Silverglade of the Center for Science in the Public Interest.