Standards and labeling of milk fat and spread products in different countries

Abstract

In the present paper, we provide comprehensive information related to labeling claims and standards of identity of milk fat and spread products. By reviewing the standards and regulations for dairy and non-dairy fat products, Codex Alimentarius and several other countries have clearly specified these products and set the requirements for use of the product name to prevent misleading or confusing the consumers. Generally, for the milkfat products, the fat in the products should be exclusively from milk and/or the products obtained from milk. The milkfat contents of these products should be no less than 10%. Whereas, the blends or blended spreads are mixture of butter and vegetable oils with more than 3% of milkfat of the total fat content. The fat spreads are defined that any milkfat content must be no more than 3% of the total fat content. Although the specification of each fat product might be different, most countries still adopt the labeling system of Codex Alimentarius, including the use of the food names and the "reduced fat" claims. Each of the ingredients used in the food also need to be declared on the label.

Keywords: Blends; Butter; Cream; Milkfat products; Spreads.