Live and active cultures set yogurt apart from other healthful foods. While more research is needed, science credits live and active cultures for potential intestinal tract benefits, help with lactose intolerance and more.

Yet the government standard for yogurt does not require appropriate levels of live and active cultures.

The popularity of yogurt is on the rise. Interest in capitalizing on this growth market is sure to follow. The National Yogurt Association (NYA) anticipates the need to ensure new and exciting products marketed as "yogurt" live up to consumers' expectations.

So, in 2000, NYA petitioned the Food and Drug Administration to modernize the 20-year-old "standard of identity" for yogurt and require a minimum level of live and active cultures, among other provisions.

On behalf of yogurt consumers now and in the future, NYA is inspiring action on the standard of identity - so we can "Know It's Yogurt."

It is interesting to note that many other food products have a more complete and reliable standard of identity than yogurt.

For example, the term "juice" is reserved for products that meet the established standard. Other similar products can be marketed, but a term other than "juice," such as "drink" or "beverage," must be used to identify the product. Given the particular interest surrounding the potential benefits of yogurt, isn't it time to ensure we always will know it's yogurt?

2006 National Yogurt Association. All Rights Reserved.