Dairy UK trumpets white stuff's green credentials

DAIRY UK, the trade organisation that represents the interests of dairy farmers, producer co-ops, milk processors and doorstep delivery firms, has welcomed the British government's new focus on sustainable food production.

The dairy sector, according to a statement issued yesterday, makes a positive contribution to all three elements of sustainability; the social, the economic and the environmental. The sector is also addressing the issue of food waste, which has been highlighted by the Prime Minister.

The statement added: "Dairy UK is working with the government to examine ways of further improving the shelf-life and storability of dairy products to reduce waste. Over the past decade, the shelf-life of milk has increased from an average of four days to more than a week, helping to reduce waste in the home.

"Energy efficiency in dairies has improved by 16 per cent since the late 1990s and water use has also fallen. We will be working closely with the Food Standards Agency and the Department of Health to deliver other priorities as laid out in the government's paper Food Matters.

"We will seek recognition of the industry's achievements to date in cutting salt and fat levels in dairy products, and pressing home the need for a balanced diet approach to improving the nation's health."