Consistency is the key

Consumers are entitled to a consistent product no matter when they buy it. The Australian dairy industry recognises this, and strives to ensure consumers receive a nutritionally consistent and safe product every time.

Natural variation

Like most foods,  milk composition varies throughout the year due to seasonal and regional differences such as weather conditions.  Milk composition can also vary from farm to farm depending on the type of cows that are milked and the type of feed available.

For example, different breeds of cows have different milk compositions. Friesians have lower levels of fat and protein in their milk than Jerseys.  Likewise, what a cow is fed also influences the fat and protein content of milk.

The composition of milk also changes during the time a cow is producing milk - with the  milk being very rich (higher fat and protein) at the start of lactation, and the levels dropping off during lactation.

A standard product

The Food Standards Code specifies the minimum fat and protein compositional requirements for packaged milk, and allows for standardisation to ensure consumers are provided with a consistent, high quality product throughout the year. This standardisation is achieved by the addition and/or withdrawal of milk components.

For example, the standard for whole milk requires that milk be at least 32 grams per kilogram of fat and 30 grams per kilogram of protein; and skim milk be a maximum of 1.5 grams per kilogram of fat and a minimum of 30 grams per kilogram of protein.

What is permeate?
Dairy companies may use a filtering process to separate milk components. Milk solids retained by the filter are called retentate and milk components that pass through the filter are called permeate.  Milk permeate contains lactose, vitamins and minerals, and may be used to standardise milk.

Why is this process used?
Dairy companies produce a variety of milks to meet varying consumer preferences such as low-fat, high protein and skim milks. Standardisation provides a consistent product for the enjoyment of Australian consumers.

For more information please contact Sid Pickering: Ph 03 96943 894,  Mob 0418 175 611 or email: This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it