Dairy UK Stands Up for Cheese

UK - Mark Allen, Chairman of Dairy UK, has called for widespread political support for cheese at a time when the nutritional characteristics of food are under constant scrutiny.

16 October 2008

2 minute read

Europe

Speaking at a Parliamentary reception organised by Dairy UK in conjunction with the

All-Party Parliamentary Group on Cheese, Mr Allen said the dairy industry must continue to strongly argue that „the health benefits of cheese in relation to calcium and protein are not neglected, otherwise this may have long-term impacts on health..

He also criticised OFCOM.s position on advertising cheese on TV around children.s programmes. “OFCOM has effectively prohibited the advertising of cheese to children.

This cannot be right, a balanced approach in these matters is appropriate”, said Mr Allen.

He added: “Consumers see cheese as an integral part of their diet. It is tasty, versatile and nutritional. It is an essential part of a balanced diet..

“One third of UK milk is utilised in making cheese – up from a quarter in 2000. The vast majority of this cheese is also consumed in the UK. The total market is some 650,000 tonnes and we make an invaluable 700 different types of cheeses in the UK.

We should not underestimate cheese.s impact on the global dairy agenda. It is a major source of the expansion we are seeing today and will see in the future.

“However, as we move forward in this increasingly controlled society the benefits of cheese must be underlined. We are continuing to work very closely with the Government and the Food Standards Agency on the nutritional benefits of cheese and other dairy products.

“We look forward to working with the All Party Parliamentary Group on Cheese and the wider Government to maximise the opportunities available to cheese-makers and encourage all to take a balanced view of the current and future challenges our industry faces.”

The reception followed a day of events focused on the cheese industry which further reflected the integration of the British Cheese Board with Dairy UK.

Speaking about the benefits flowing from the integration Mark Allen said it enabled the industry „to deliver a single consistent voice in our messages on cheese..