10/09/06 UK strikes blow to Organic Milk

Like the US the UK is experiencing explosive growth in sales of organic milk fueled in part by the claim that organic milk contains more omega-3 fatty acids then conventional milk. A recent investigation by UK food authorities might have burst this organic bubble. The UK Food Standards Agency reported earlier this month that while organic milk could contain more omega-3 fatty acids this doesn't mean it is any healthier because a consumer would have to consume such a vast quantity to reap any omega -3 benefits. In fact the chair of the agency said there is scant evidence to support the claim that the acid found in organic milk was an important source of long chain omega-3 fatty acid found in oily fish and considered a prime heath benefit. Organic proponents in the United Kingdom were obviously devastated by this news but it shouldn't come as a surprise given that UK Food Standards Authorities have yet to recognize that ony organic products are healthier than conventional.