Randy Chandler
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has been accused of promoting pizza consumption to help the cheese industry. Dairy Management Inc. (DMI), a dairy industry organization overseen by the USDA, has worked with fast-food restaurants, including Domino's, to increase cheese consumption. DMI supported Domino's with consumer research and product development, resulting in pizzas with up to 40% more cheese. This partnership is part of the USDA's efforts to increase dairy consumption and support dairy farmers financially. While the USDA promotes healthy eating guidelines, its involvement in these partnerships has raised concerns about contributing to the obesity epidemic and diet-related diseases.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Domino's use of government cheese | Dairy Management Inc. (DMI), a dairy industry organization, funded a $12 million marketing campaign for a new line of Domino's pizzas with 40% more cheese. DMI is overseen by the USDA, which supported Domino's with consumer research. |
| Government involvement in the cheese industry | The USDA's Dairy Management group aims to increase dairy consumption and help dairy farmers financially by promoting products with high dairy content. The USDA buys excess cheese for food assistance programs. |
| Health implications | The USDA's promotion of cheese and other dairy products contradicts its healthy eating guidelines, contributing to the obesity epidemic and increasing the risk of heart disease and certain cancers. |
| Public perception | Critics argue that the government and agribusiness contribute to the problem of unhealthy eating while claiming to combat it. |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Dairy Management Inc. (DMI) and Domino's partnership
Dairy Management Inc. (DMI) is a dairy industry organisation that runs the dairy checkoff program in the United States. The checkoff program, overseen by the USDA, aims to increase economic demand for dairy producers. DMI has worked with several fast-food restaurants, including McDonald's, Pizza Hut, and Wendy's, to develop cheesy, high-fat products.
In 2018, DMI partnered with Domino's to add more cheese to its pizzas. The partnership resulted in a new line of pizzas with 40% more cheese, accompanied by a $12 million marketing campaign. The campaign was a success, with Domino's sales soaring by double digits. The partnership between DMI and Domino's is part of the USDA's efforts to support dairy farmers by increasing the consumption of dairy products. The USDA buys up excess cheese in the market and uses it for food assistance programs.
While the partnership has been successful in boosting cheese consumption and supporting dairy farmers, it has also faced criticism. The USDA's Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion, responsible for promoting healthy eating, has a relatively small budget compared to DMI's nearly $140 million budget. The cheesy products promoted by DMI contain high amounts of saturated fat and sodium, contradicting the USDA's own recommendations for healthy eating. The increased consumption of cheese contributes to the growing obesity epidemic in the United States, with one in eight Americans consuming pizza on any given day.
The partnership between DMI and Domino's highlights the complex dynamics between the government, agribusiness, and public health. While the government aims to support the agriculture industry and promote healthy eating, its efforts to increase cheese consumption may inadvertently contribute to diet-related health issues. This contradiction has been noted by critics, who argue for a more balanced approach that considers the potential consequences for public health.
Mascarpone Cheese: A Versatile Ingredient for Delicious Desserts
You may want to see also
The US government's role in promoting cheese
The US government has played a significant role in promoting cheese consumption, particularly through its involvement in the dairy industry and partnerships with fast-food chains. One notable example is the recent partnership between the dairy industry and the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) to distribute 12 million pounds of cheese through Domino's and other pizza chains. This collaboration is facilitated by Dairy Management Inc. (DMI), a dairy industry organization that executes the dairy checkoff program overseen by the USDA. The goal of these efforts is to boost sales and demand for cheese, as outlined in the USDA report, which found that cheese marketing provides a greater economic payoff for dairy producers compared to fluid milk marketing.
Historically, the US government has a long history of involvement with cheese, dating back to World War II when processed "government cheese" was provided to welfare beneficiaries, Food Stamp recipients, and the elderly. This cheese was also used in military kitchens and schools, and it continued to be distributed until the early 1980s. During the Reagan administration, the Agriculture and Food Act of 1981 further contributed to cheese stockpiles, resulting in distributions to states to address food insecurity.
The USDA's role in promoting cheese is multifaceted. On one hand, they develop dietary guidelines recommending limiting saturated fat found in full-fat dairy products. Yet, the USDA also collaborates with fast-food chains to increase cheese consumption, as evidenced by DMI's partnerships with McDonald's, Pizza Hut, and Wendy's to create cheesy, high-fat products. Additionally, the USDA's agricultural research department has studied the role of pizza in American diets, finding that a significant portion of Americans consume pizza regularly, contributing to their daily food energy intake.
The government's promotion of cheese has not gone without criticism. Some argue that the government should not contribute heavily to promoting cheese consumption while neglecting other important nutrition goals and the health implications associated with high-fat dairy products. There are also concerns about the overproduction of dairy and the environmental impact of maintaining "cheese caves" to store the surplus cheese, which totals 1.4 billion pounds as of 2019. Despite these concerns, the government continues to subsidize the dairy industry and promote cheese consumption through various initiatives.
Unlocking Cotija Cheese's Magic in the Kitchen
You may want to see also
The health implications of cheese consumption
While cheese is a good source of calcium, protein, phosphorus, potassium, vitamin B12, and vitamin D, it is often criticized for its high fat, sodium, and calorie content. The health effects of cheese consumption are a matter of controversy. However, a recent meta-analysis of prospective studies found that cheese consumption was inversely associated with all-cause mortality, cardiovascular mortality, incident cardiovascular disease, coronary heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, total fracture, and dementia.
Cheese is a nutrient-dense and well-tolerated fermented dairy product consumed worldwide. It is generally consumed in moderate amounts as part of a healthy dietary eating plan. The benefits of cheese consumption depend on the individual and the type and amount of cheese consumed. For example, hard cheeses like Cheddar tend to have more calcium than soft cheeses like Brie. Ricotta and cottage cheese are also healthier options, being lower in calories and fat. Swiss, Cheddar, Gouda, Edam, Gruyère, and cottage cheese also contain probiotics, which may keep the gut healthy by producing short-chain fatty acids and increasing the absorption of calcium, iron, and magnesium. Eating cheese may also benefit oral health, as the presence of probiotics and other components can positively influence the types of bacteria and pH in saliva, creating an alkaline environment that reduces cavities and encourages remineralization.
However, cheese's high saturated fat content is a health concern. Saturated fat raises LDL ("bad") cholesterol levels, increasing the risk of heart disease. Cheese and other dairy products have also been linked to breast and prostate cancers. The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) has been criticized for partnering with fast-food pizza chains like Domino's to push high-fat cheese products while simultaneously warning Americans against them.
In conclusion, cheese consumption has neutral to moderate benefits for human health. While it is a good source of several important nutrients, its high fat, sodium, and calorie content can have negative health implications. The key to including cheese in a healthy diet is moderation and choosing lower-fat varieties.
Cheesecake Factory's Cheese: Pasteurized or Not?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The USDA's Dairy Management group's budget
Dairy Management Inc. (DMI) is an American trade association primarily funded by the US Dairy Promotion Program. The program itself is funded by government-mandated checkoff fees on dairy products and federal tax dollars. DMI is dedicated to promoting the sale of American-made dairy products. It also operates under the names Innovation Center for US Dairy, National Dairy Council, American Dairy Association, and US Dairy Export Council.
DMI is a marketing creation of the US Department of Agriculture (USDA). While the USDA regulates DMI's promotion of milk in the domestic market, it does not fund it directly. In 2010, DMI had a budget of about $140 million, $5 million of which came from the USDA. DMI's budget comes largely from levies imposed on farmers. In 2010, it received $5.3 million from the Agriculture Department to promote dairy sales overseas.
DMI has been working with fast-food restaurants, including McDonald's, Pizza Hut, and Wendy's, to develop cheesy, high-fat products. In 2023, it was reported that the dairy industry was working with the USDA to push 12 million pounds of disease-causing cheese through partnerships with fast-food restaurants like Domino's in the United States and a pizza chain abroad. DMI supported Domino's with consumer research and plans to work with the company to "drive pizza and cheese sales."
The USDA has also released a report on the role of pizza in American diets. Researchers found that 13% of the US population consumed pizza on any given day. Pizza accounted for 25% of children's and 29% of adults' daily food energy intake. While the USDA is pushing high-fat cheese, it is also warning Americans against it. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans, developed by the USDA, recommend limiting saturated fat, which is commonly found in higher amounts in full-fat dairy products like cheese.
Cheese Fondue: Selecting the Perfect Melting Cheeses
You may want to see also
The effectiveness of Domino's marketing campaigns
Domino's has become one of the world's largest pizza chains, and its marketing campaigns have been instrumental in achieving this status. The company has a strong social media presence, leveraging trendy posts, meme marketing, and behind-the-scenes content to connect with younger, digital-savvy consumers. For instance, Domino's created memes and visuals featuring characters from Netflix's Stranger Things, alongside video ads, showcasing its ability to capitalise on pop culture trends and nostalgia.
Domino's also employs a customer-centric approach in its advertising campaigns, addressing customer needs and preferences. Its "Tweets for Treats" Twitter promotion in the UK boosted lunchtime orders by offering discounts for tweets with the hashtag "#letsdolunch". This campaign reduced the price of a pizza by over 50%, leading to a 43% increase in online pizza sales and a 14.6% rise in overall revenues.
The company further demonstrates its adaptability by embracing digitalization. Customers can use mobile apps, delivery tracking, and voice search features via Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant to place orders quickly and conveniently. This integration of technology enhances customer satisfaction and plays a significant role in Domino's marketing strategy.
Domino's also blends local tastes into its products, as evidenced by its success in India, where it opened its first outlet in New Delhi in 1996. This localisation strategy has made Domino's more appealing to diverse audiences.
In addition, Domino's runs offline marketing campaigns that showcase innovation and creativity. Its "Steady Pizza" campaign addressed the issue of food presentation by using clear pizza boxes, assuring customers of the quality of their orders upon delivery.
Overall, Domino's marketing campaigns are effective because they prioritise the customer, embrace digital trends, and showcase a playful, adaptable brand personality. By utilising various channels and staying ahead of the curve, Domino's has achieved global success and solidified its position as a leading pizza chain.
The Art of Cheese Molding: Understanding the Process
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Yes, Domino's uses government cheese. Dairy Management, a marketing creation of the United States Department of Agriculture, teamed up with Domino's to develop a new line of pizzas with 40% more cheese.
The USDA is charged with helping keep dairy farmers financially afloat. An easy way to do that is to increase the number of dairy products that people buy.
Cheese is rich in calcium and vitamin K2, which are beneficial. However, cheese is also high in saturated fat and sodium, which can increase the risk of heart disease and contribute to obesity.
Dairy Management has also worked with and funded new offerings from Taco Bell, Pizza Hut, Wendy's, and Burger King.
