News
Committee adopts new standard for fermented milk drinks
New Zealand’s reputation as the land of milk and cheese was reinforced when an international milk and milk products standard setting body met there and successfully wrapped up 16 years of work.
More than 130 delegates from 34 member countries, and five observer organisations, convened in Auckland for the ninth session of the Codex Committee on Milk and Milk Products (CCMMP), which sets globally accepted food standards for international trade in these products.
Science director of the New Zealand Food Safety Authority, Dr Steve Hathaway, who has chaired the committee’s meetings for the past 10 years, is delighted it has completed its ambitious work programme.
“Having robust and scientifically justified standards for a wide range of dairy commodities helps smooth the way for their trade, which is a great advantage for modern and efficient dairying nations like New Zealand, which provides a third of world dairy exports.”
At the meeting, the committee adopted a new draft standard for drinks based on fermented milk, which are growing in popularity particularly in Asia. It will ensure such drinks contain at least 40% fermented milk, a contentious limit for some delegations to CCMMP, and that the label clearly reflect the milk content.
“This allows all products, whether they contain the minimum or higher amounts of fermented milk to be traded freely and leaves it to the consumer to decide which they prefer,” said Hathaway.
Source: New Zealand Food Safety Authority
See also
Latest news
| |