Dairy Avoidance 'Reaches Dangerous Levels'

A study has found for the first time that one in six adult Australians are choosing to avoid milk and dairy foods, the majority without a medical diagnosis, leading to public health concerns for women in particular.

The survey, undertaken by CSIRO and the University of Adelaide, found that the vast majority of avoiders (74 per cent) are making this choice to relieve adverse gastrointestinal symptoms such as cramps, bloating or wind.

Far fewer participants cited not liking the taste or because they thought it’s fattening for not including diary in their diets.

The study also revealed that the decision to avoid some or all dairy foods is influenced by a range of sources from outside medical practice such as the internet, media, friends or alternative practitioners.

CSIRO’s Bella Yantcheva, behavioural scientist on the research team, commented: “The scale of people restricting their diet without a medical reason is very concerning in terms of the public health implications, especially for women.” – Click here to read more.

In market news, at this week's Global Dairy Trade (GDT) auction, the price index rose by 3.4 per cent.

The average price reached at the event was $2,329 USD/MT, FAS.

This is the second price rise in a row, and only one in the last five auctions has shown a decrease in dairy prices, forming an overall upward trend.

UK levy board AHDB Dairy suggested the turnaround might reflect market sentiment that milk production growth is slowing - read more.