The UK’s Food Standards Agency has said that although there are nutritional differences between organic milk and its conventional counterpart, this does not mean that consumption of organic milk brings health benefits.


Researchers at Glasgow University contacted the FSA, a spokesperson for the agency told just-food, requesting that the body re-examine the differences between organic and conventional milk.


“We agreed that there are differences, but found that these do not equate to health benefits associated with consumption of organic milk,” the FSA told just-food.


The study, conducted by researchers at Glasgow University and presented to the FSA, demonstrated that organically produced milk contains higher levels of short-chain omega-3 fatty acids. However, the FSA said: “The evidence suggests that these fatty acids appear to be of limited health benefit compared to the longer chain omega-3 fatty acids found in oily fish.


The FSA found that while these short-chain omega-3 fatty acids can be converted into the longer chain variety, the conversion rate appears to be “very limited”.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

Rosie Palmer, marketing manager for the UK organic milk producers’ association OMSCo told just-food that the industry body is satisfied that the FSA has recognised that there are differences in the nutritional content of organic and conventional milk.


“All that we asked them to do was recognise that there are differences between organic and conventional milk’s nutritional content. For the first time, the FSA did recognise this fact, so we have achieved what we set out to do,” Palmer said.