FILLED MILKS, IMITATION MILKS, AND COFFEE WHITENERS

Abstract

Certain fluid milk-like products packaged in the same type of container as fresh fluid milk are marketed in grocery stores in many states. These products may be mistaken for fresh fluid milk and skim milk; therefore, the Committee on Nutrition is concerned about the nutritive value of such products if they are used in the diets of infants and children. These milk-like products are classsified as filled milks and imitation milk. According to the provisions of the Filled Milk Act, Public Law No. 513, a filled milk is defined as any milk, cream, or skim milk to which any fat or oil other than milk fat has been added so the resulting product is in semblance to or imitation of a milk product. More simply stated, any mixture of milk solids with fats other than milk fat is called a "filled" product. However, imitation milk resembles milk but contains no skim milk or nonfat milk solids. Filled milks are and have been marketed in many states, whereas imitation milks have only recently been offered to the public in several areas, notably New York, Arizona, and California. Most imitation milks on the market are totally unsuitable for infant feeding and constitute a public health risk, even though these products are presently marketed in just a few areas. However, it appears advisable to inform physicians about the nutritional values of milk-like products because they could become more widely available. This statement does not deal with proprietary infant formulas, which are specifically exempted under the provisions of the Filled Milk Act1 and which are covered by Food and Drug Administration regulations on Special Dietary Foods.