The spot used USDA funds to disparage plant-based milk, per a complaint filed with the USDA.
The ad, which was created using funding from a US Department of Agriculture program to promote dairy milk, features Plaza talking up "Wood Milk," a milk alternative made from trees.
Right now, the Food and Drug Administration is seeking public comments on proposed labeling guidelines for plant-based milk.
While just 15% of all milk sold in the US in 2022 was plant-based, the category is growing faster than cow's milk: Plant-based milk sales grew 8% to $2.8 billion in 2022, according to the Plant Based Foods Association.
Plant-based milk companies have engaged in ad stunts of their own.
Persons:
Aubrey Plaza, —, Silk
Organizations:
USDA, Service, US Department of Agriculture, Committee, Responsible Medicine, Food and Drug Administration, Plaza, Based Foods