Comparative analysis of 40 brands of whole milk

Madrid, June 26, 2014.

OCU has conducted a study on the quality of milk, similar to the one published 3 years ago. The conclusions are clear, the quality of the milk has improved considerably. The results of this study, published in the OCU Compra Maestra July magazine, confirm that the revelations, studies and analysis of OCU have helped product quality to improve.
This time OCU has analysed, 40 brands of milk, compared to 47 three years ago, either because some have disappeared or because they did not meet the analysis requirements of OCU, a ‘best before’ date of around 90 days.

The same analyses carried out three years ago, and which provided results with considerable room for improvement, on this occasion yielded acceptable results. The improvement in the quality of milk centres on three aspects. We did not detect the presence of phosphates (as opposed to three years ago) an additive used to correct the defects of inadequate milk processing. Nor has the presence of powdered milk been detected in any brand, something four brands tested in 2011 left open to suspicion.  Also the heat treatment of milk has generally improved and is now less harsh and avoids the problems previously identified, such as the degradation of vitamins and essential amino acids; this problem appears in only 4 brands.

In addition, 38 of the 40 brands analysed were rated as good or very good by a panel of expert tasters. Despite the overall improvement, there are still some production practices which could be improved, such as the presence of “old” milk, especially in three brands where the protein breakdown index (an indicator of this practice), is particularly high.
Thus, the analytical results show the improvement in the quality of milk compared to the results of 3 years ago.

By brand, the best results of the analysis are those obtained by Tierra de Sabor, Llet Nostra, La Vaquera and Condis. They are all brands with regional distribution. If these brands are not readily available to the consumer, Hacendado or Carrefour stand out nationally as good value for money. The milks scoring lowest are Carrefour discount, Milbona (Lidl) and La Vaquita, all penalised for using “old” milk.
The full results are available on www.ocu.org/leche

OCU explains that it is not all positive news, the price has also increased. Milk is now on average 10% more expensive than three years ago. OCU says it is possible to save 108 euros per year by choosing a good quality brand at a good price compared to others that are more expensive.
OCU adds that supermarket own-brands are on average 21% cheaper than the rest.
OCU argues that the enormous impact of the report three years ago on milk quality, has resulted in a positive reaction from the manufacturers, who now offer a higher quality product than three years ago. This highlights the fact that thanks to the work of OCU, paid for by its members, we have improved the market for the benefit of all consumers.

Finally, OCU confirms that the study of three years ago was performed with the rigour that always characterises the work of the Organization. The courts have definitively rejected the legal action brought by the dairy producers association (FENIL) against the aforementioned study. OCU would like to take this opportunity to thank most sincerely all citizens, institutions and media who have supported us and especially thank its 300,000 members that enable OCU to continue working for the good of civil society.
For more information (media) Eva Jimenez Tel:   917 226 061
prensa@ocu.org