Confirms Pasteurized and Sterilized Cow’s Milk Is Safe; Advises Checking Labels Before Consumption**

The Department of Health under the Ministry of Public Health is encouraging Thai people of all ages to “drink two glasses of plain milk every day,” alongside consuming a balanced diet from all five food groups, eating three proper meals a day, and adjusting portion sizes according to age-specific nutrition guidelines.

The department also recommends that children and adolescents accumulate at least 60 minutes of physical activity per day, while working-age adults should exercise for at least 150 minutes per week. Additionally, getting morning or late-afternoon sunlight daily is advised to help the body produce vitamin D, which enhances calcium absorption, and maintaining sufficient sleep is essential for overall health.

Cow’s milk remains a high-quality source of protein and provides essential nutrients such as calcium, phosphorus, vitamin A, and vitamin B2. Nutritional data show that one glass of cow’s milk (200 ml) provides approximately 125 kilocalories, 6.6 grams of protein, 200 milligrams of calcium, and 182 milligrams of phosphorus. For individuals aiming to reduce fat intake, low-fat or skim milk is recommended.

Clarification on Online Debates Regarding Milk Safety

In response to recent debates circulating online, the Department of Health clarified that all cow’s milk sold in stores must undergo heat-treatment processes—such as pasteurization, sterilization, or UHT—to ensure safety.

Consumers can check whether a milk product is made from fresh cow’s milk or contains milk powder by reading the ingredient list on the product label. Most plain milk products are made from 100% fresh cow’s milk. If milk powder is used, it must be clearly listed on the label, such as skimmed milk powder or low-fat milk powder.

Product labels also include important information such as full ingredient lists, nutrition facts, energy and nutrient content, manufacturing date (MFG), expiry date (EXP), the Thai FDA mark, and storage instructions. For example:

     - Pasteurized milk must be refrigerated at all times at temperatures not exceeding 8°C and has a shorter shelf life.

     - Sterilized and UHT milk can be stored at room temperature and has a longer shelf life, but once opened, must be refrigerated and consumed promptly.

Nutritional Value of Milk Powder vs. Fresh Milk

Milk powder is produced by removing water from heat-treated raw cow’s milk through various evaporation and drying methods. According to the Ministry of Public Health’s regulations, certain food additives may be used within permitted limits—such as stabilizers, emulsifiers, or anti-caking agents.

When comparing milk powder with fresh cow’s milk, the nutritional differences are minimal. Some protein or vitamins may be partially lost during processing, but the impact is not considered significant from a nutritional standpoint, as essential nutrients largely remain intact and lost nutrients can be fortified back into the product.

 

 

Source: www.thaihealth.or.th