Lactalis Challenges SIC Sanctions Over Whey Use: "It's a False Positive"
Source: dairynews.today
Lactalis, owner of Parmalat, contests a significant fine imposed by Colombia's Superintendency of Industry and Commerce (SIC) for allegedly adding whey to whole milk products.
On February 12, 2025, the Superintendency of Industry and Commerce (SIC) announced a decision to impose fines exceeding $21,000 million on several dairy companies, including Lactalis, the owner of Parmalat, for allegedly violating consumer rights by adding whey to whole milk. The action provoked a strong response from the sanctioned companies, especially Lactalis, which has filed an appeal to overturn the decision. The company claims there is no conclusive evidence supporting the accusations.
Pablo Felipe Robledo, legal representative for Lactalis and a former superintendent of industry and commerce, insisted that the investigation and incriminating evidence are unfounded, labeling the process a "false positive." He emphasized that Parmalat does not add whey to its whole milk products, as it recognizes the illegal nature of such a practice.
Lactalis further argued that the enzyme CMP (caseinomacropeptide) presence does not constitute proof of whey addition. The company also claimed that whey identified at its facilities pertains exclusively to the cheese production process and not to the whole milk marketed under the Parmalat brand. The SIC's resolution economically impacts six dairy brands: Algarra, De la Cuesta, Alkosto, Parmalat, Latti, and Pomar.
According to the SIC, these companies engaged in deceptive practices, selling products labeled as whole milk that contained whey. The presence of whey in inventory without sufficient justification, along with lower raw material costs, suggests the use of cheaper whey instead of raw milk. The SIC stated this conduct breaches consumer rights by failing to provide truthful and complete product information.
Lactalis' appeal is under review by the Superintendent of Industry and Commerce, Cielo Rusinque, who will decide whether to uphold or revoke the sanctions.
Pablo Felipe Robledo, legal representative for Lactalis and a former superintendent of industry and commerce, insisted that the investigation and incriminating evidence are unfounded, labeling the process a "false positive." He emphasized that Parmalat does not add whey to its whole milk products, as it recognizes the illegal nature of such a practice.
Lactalis further argued that the enzyme CMP (caseinomacropeptide) presence does not constitute proof of whey addition. The company also claimed that whey identified at its facilities pertains exclusively to the cheese production process and not to the whole milk marketed under the Parmalat brand. The SIC's resolution economically impacts six dairy brands: Algarra, De la Cuesta, Alkosto, Parmalat, Latti, and Pomar.
According to the SIC, these companies engaged in deceptive practices, selling products labeled as whole milk that contained whey. The presence of whey in inventory without sufficient justification, along with lower raw material costs, suggests the use of cheaper whey instead of raw milk. The SIC stated this conduct breaches consumer rights by failing to provide truthful and complete product information.
Lactalis' appeal is under review by the Superintendent of Industry and Commerce, Cielo Rusinque, who will decide whether to uphold or revoke the sanctions.
