China Bans Production of Reconstituted Drinking Milk

The innovation is intended to increase the level of control over the quality of dairy products and support domestic producers.

The decision became part of the updated regulatory framework, including 50 new standards and nine amendments approved as part of the state food security strategy. Previously, similar restrictions were already in force in the EU, Japan, and were also supported by the WHO and the UN FAO.

Powdered milk is also the second most frequently adulterated product in the world after olive oil. In the history of the food industry, there have been cases of adding urea, formalin, alkalis, acids and melamine to imitate full-fledged milk.

The ban in China may significantly change the structure of international trade in dairy products. According to analysts, exporting countries, primarily New Zealand and the EU, will be forced to redistribute supplies of powdered milk and adapt product lines to the new rules.

China remains the largest consumer and importer of dairy products in the world. Tighter standards are expected to reduce demand for imported milk powder, increase the share of domestic whole milk production and affect global price trends in the sector.