NZFSA calls in independent expert

NZFSA calls in independent expert

The New Zealand Food Safety Authority has called in an independent expert to undertake a literature review on research surrounding the A1/A2 milk debate.

Former New Zealand Heart Foundation Medical Director Boyd Swinburn has agreed to review all available literature for NZFSA on A1/A2 milk including research examining a possible link between milk protein consumption and heart disease and insulin-dependent diabetes released earlier this year.

“At this stage we believe a responsible step would be to get the research reviewed by an expert. We are pleased Professor Swinburn has agreed to do this for us,” NZFSA’s Director of Policy and Regulatory Standards, Carole Inkster, said.

Boyd Swinburn is currently a Professor of Public Health Nutrition at Deakin University in Melbourne, Australia. Professor Swinburn has had a long and distinguished career in health and nutrition and has won several awards for his work.

The NZFSA is asking anyone else with information, which has already been made public on this topic to share it with us. “This will help in the review,” Ms Inkster said.

In the meantime, the NZFSA stands by its earlier statement that milk is nutritious and beneficial and should remain part of a balanced diet.

“New Zealanders can lower the rate of heart disease by quitting smoking, increasing exercise and reducing the proportion of saturated fats in their diet as promoted by the New Zealand Heart Foundation,” Ms Inkster said.