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The War of the Illegal Cheese

Mexico 21.10.2025
Sourse: dairynews.today
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A warning in the dairy sector over counterfeit cheese with substitutes impacting producer profitability and deceiving consumers.
The War of the Illegal Cheese

The issue of counterfeit or adulterated cheese continues to be a central concern for the dairy sector and health authorities. A new alert has been issued to consumers about products marketed as cheese, but whose composition includes dairy substitutes like vegetable fats or caseinates instead of whole cow's milk. This fraudulent practice not only deceives the public about the nutritional quality of the food but also places formal dairy producers competing under required quality standards at an unfair disadvantage.

The primary motivation behind cheese adulteration is the drastic reduction in production costs. Raw milk, as a raw material sensitive to inflation and logistical costs, is replaced by cheaper and more stable ingredients, allowing informal producers to offer artificially low prices. For dairy producers investing in animal health and milk quality, this market distortion results in constant downward pressure on procurement prices, affecting profitability and jeopardizing the viability of their farms.

Consumer protection authorities have intensified product verification and sampling campaigns to identify and remove brands from the market that do not meet the Mexican Official Standards (NOM) regarding the denomination and composition of dairy products. This enforcement effort aims to protect public health and ensure transparency in labeling. The message to consumers is to remain vigilant and question the authenticity of products with suspiciously low prices.

From a data journalism perspective on safety, the proliferation of adulterated cheeses can generate health risks if not handled or stored properly. Therefore, the formal dairy industry and producer associations call for the consumption of cheese from recognized brands with certifications of origin. Promoting traceability and the consumption of whole milk is the most effective strategy to combat this agri-food fraud.

The warning about counterfeit cheeses is an indication that the fight for quality and honesty in the dairy value chain is ongoing. The protection of raw milk and genuine cheese requires a united front between honest producers, strict regulators, and informed consumers to safeguard the profitability of dairy farming and the country's food integrity.


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