Core Insights - Lifeway Foods, Inc. is initiating an industry-wide conversation to create a new voluntary dairy certification standard aimed at balancing public health, consumer demand, and farmer viability [1][3] - The proposed certification seeks to provide transparency on issues such as animal welfare, responsible antibiotic use, sustainable farming practices, milk nutrition quality, and environmental stewardship [3][5] - The initiative is part of Lifeway's 40th anniversary celebrations and reflects the company's commitment to the public good rather than a corporate agenda [1][4] Industry Implications - The certification standard is intended to serve as a flexible, science-informed framework that empowers farmers and meets the growing consumer demand for responsibly produced dairy [3][5] - Lifeway Foods is inviting collaboration from various stakeholders, including producers, regulators, non-profits, and public health leaders, to develop and govern the certification framework [5][6] - The initiative aims to strengthen the dairy industry's long-term sustainability, integrity, and contribution to public health [6]
Leading Kefir Brand Lifeway Foods' CEO Julie Smolyansky Launches Industry Conversation to Explore New Voluntary Dairy Certification Standard