MILK: Part of a balanced diet
Recent media reports have suggested that there are two types of milk - A1 and A2 - which provide differing levels of protection to consumers from autism in children, and from schizophrenia, diabetes and heart disease. Food Standards Australia New Zealand does not believe that the available information warrants any amendment to the Food Standards Code.
What is A1 and A2 milk?
Milk contains many types of proteins. The proportion of various proteins can be quite different in the milk from different breeds of cows and in the milk from other animals.
Of the six major protein types in cow' s milk, four are casein proteins and the other two are whey proteins. The caseins usually make up about 80% of the protein in cow' s milk. One of the major caseins is beta -casein. There are different b -casein types, but the most common are beta -casein A1 (milk high in this type is known as A1 milk) and beta -casein A2 (milk high in this type is known as A2 milk).
Certain breeds of cows, such as Friesians, produce mostly A1 milk, whereas other breeds, such as Guernseys, and also sheep and goats, produce mostly A2 milk. Milk produced in Australia and New Zealand is normally a mix of A1 and A2 milks.
Why is A1 and A2 milk in the media?
A New Zealand company, A2 Corporation Ltd, is planning to launch A2 milk for sale in New Zealand, and has instigated a High Court case in New Zealand against the dairy company, Fonterra Co-operative Group Ltd. FSANZ understands that A2 Corporation claims that there is a link between A1 milk and certain illnesses. A2 Corporation wants Fonterra, which produces mostly A1 milk, to place warnings on its milk linking its product with autism, schizophrenia, diabetes and heart disease.
What does FSANZ think of these claims?
FSANZ has not received any applications to amend the milk provisions of the Food Standards Code to consider A1 or A2 milk. FSANZ has considered the very limited scientific evidence available on comparitive health effects of the two milks and discussed the issue internally and at Board level. FSANZ has noted that further research is in progress and concluded that, while there are some interesting hypotheses being examined, it could not proceed with regulatory action on the basis of the available evidence.
Should consumers avoid milk?
No . FSANZ recommends that milk should continue to be regarded as a safe and nutritious component of the diet for most people.
( updated 19 November 2002 )