Controversy Over Lactalis and the Alleged Use of Whey in Milk

The multinational Lactalis, ranked as the ninth-largest food group globally and the foremost in dairy worldwide, is embroiled in a legal dispute to demonstrate its innocence against accusations from Colombia's Superintendence of Industry and Commerce (SIC) regarding the addition of whey to milk.

This controversy stems from a ruling requiring four dairy companies, including Lactalis, to pay over 21 billion pesos due to alleged additions of whey to whole milk. Pablo Felipe Robledo, an expert legal counsel involved in the defense, argues that neither technical evidence nor intent to violate regulations exists, emphasizing that the presence of whey protein concentrate (CMP) in milk is not a definitive indicator of added whey, as CMP naturally occurs in milk over time.

Meanwhile, the SIC probes the company's purchase transactions regarding whey, noting legitimate alternate uses in other dairy product processes such as arequipe. As the case unfolds, Lactalis challenges the 'false positive' allegation by the SIC, seeking to underscore their competitive yet compliant business practices.