That explains the passion in this argument. Tight control of the word is important to many in the US and looks like it starts at the top.
The laws were established because of fraud. Some places were selling frozen "custard" that didn't have eggs in it. Some were selling ice "cream" that didn't have cream in it and some were selling "barbecue" they cooked in a crock pot with liquid smoke. Some probably are still selling those things with fraudulent labels. I do know that when it comes to the government's attention that such practices are occurring it will step in and demand corrections to the labels or claims.