Sinaloa Dairy Producers Alert Against Milk Imitations Affecting Market

The Union Ganadera Regional de Sinaloa (UGRS) has issued a warning regarding the increasing presence of products that mimic milk but lack essential nutritional properties. These items, often labeled as 'dairy formulas' or plant-based beverages, are packaged to mislead consumers, suggesting a bovine origin they do not possess.

The UGRS highlights that these imitations create unfair competition, as low-cost subproducts and vegetable fillers push genuine milk off supermarket shelves. This trend poses a significant threat to the economic stability of primary dairy producers in the region.

From an economic perspective, the influx of these cheaper alternatives threatens the regional dairy economy by driving down prices for authentic milk. The UGRS warns that if this trend continues, many family-owned production units in Sinaloa may struggle to survive.

In terms of public health, these imitation products often contain hydrogenated vegetable fats, excessive sugars, and chemical additives, which can negatively affect nutrition, particularly for children and the elderly. Genuine milk provides a nutrient matrix that these substitutes cannot match, making this a community health concern.

In response, the UGRS calls for stringent enforcement of labeling standards, enabling consumers to distinguish between 100% pure milk and synthetic or mixed products. For the dairy industry, transparency is crucial to protect its reputation and ensure that producers' efforts are reflected in fair pricing.