Although trace amounts of benzoic acid in dairy products have been proven to be harmless to the human body, the general concern is what other unknown additives are in milk powder, and which ones are prohibited? How should one choose safe dairy products?
Experts Focus on Additives
Many manufacturers, in order to cater to consumers' preference for fragrant and rich flavors, add flavorings, thickeners, etc., to their products.
In this regard, experts state that if dairy products are scientifically proven to contain these substances and do not cause related diseases in the short term, long-term consumption may increase the burden on children's livers and lead to weakened metabolic functions.
It is indeed somewhat frequent for problems to arise with dairy products due to additives. To solve this problem, first, quality inspection and other relevant departments should increase the number of random inspections and expand the scope of inspections, and not just focus on the melamine issue. Second, personnel engaged in production, processing, and other links should seriously study relevant technical knowledge and national laws and regulations to avoid unintentional addition due to lack of awareness.
How to Choose Dairy Products
In response to the current "fear" of milk among the public, experts believe it is unnecessary, and people can still drink dairy products with confidence. So, what experiences and reminders do experts have for purchasing dairy products?
The closer to a natural state, the better. In fact, natural milk should be 87%-88% water, appearing relatively thin, light in taste, and milky white to pale yellow. One should try to buy products that are closest to their natural form, rather than products with multiple additives and heavy processing. Those that are more viscous, fragrant, and very white should be purchased less.
Try to choose products with a short shelf life. Experts suggest that currently, pure milk is divided into two main categories: pasteurized and ultra-high temperature sterilized (UHT). The former requires low-temperature refrigeration and has a shorter shelf life, while the latter can be stored at room temperature and has a longer shelf life. Since milk processed with UHT technology may destroy some heat-sensitive substances, leading to a loss of certain nutrients and affecting the taste of the milk, it is recommended to choose products with a shorter shelf life.