NZFSA says milk still part of balanced diet

NZFSA says milk still part of balanced diet

The New Zealand Food Safety Authority and the Ministry of Health today reiterated that milk is safe and is still part of a balanced diet, in response to concerns raised from the debate between producers of A1 and A2 milk.

Earlier this year two Auckland researchers found a correlation between the amount of A1 beta-casein and milk protein consumption and rates of coronary heart disease and childhood type-1 diabetes.

However Dr Bob Boyd, the Principal Advisor in Public Health Medicine at the NZFSA, stressed that the studies are inconclusive and are not sufficient reason for the public to stop consuming cows’ milk or milk products.

“Milk is nutritious and should remain part of a balanced diet”, he said.

"New Zealanders can still do much more to lower our rate of heart disease by quitting smoking, increasing our exercise and by reducing the proportion of saturated fats in our diet, as promoted by the New Zealand Heart Foundation", added Dr Colin Tukuitonga, the Ministry of Health’s Director Public Health.

NZFSA has called in an independent expert to undertake a literature review on research surrounding the A21/A2 milk debate. Former Director of the New Zealand Heart Foundation, Dr Boyd Swinburn, is currently a Professor of Public Health Nutrition at Deakin University in Melbourne. His review is expected to be completed by the end of June.

NZFSA is also investigating issues surrounding the labelling and advertising of A2 milk products.

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