Can Affordable Imported Pasteurized Milk Be an Alternative Amid Rising Milk Prices?

As milk prices continue to rise, imported pasteurized milk is steadily gaining popularity among consumers. However, concerns about production and quality have begun to surface among some consumers.

 

In light of these concerns, the Korea Food and Drug Administration should consider strengthening regulations on imported milk.

 

An incident at a major supermarket serves as a case in point, where a customer opted for "Oldenburger Pasteurized Milk" from Germany, which is 30% cheaper than domestically produced "Seoul Milk - Milk that Comforts My Insides." Nevertheless, consumer interest in these affordable imported milk options may be overshadowed by apprehensions about production and quality.

 

The demand for imported pasteurized milk has surged due to the increase in milk prices. According to Gmarket, sales of imported pasteurized milk from September 1st to 18th increased by 845% compared to the same period last year. In stark contrast, sales of domestic regular milk only saw a 20% increase.

 

Furthermore, the import volume has been steadily rising, with a substantial increase in the import of domestically consumed pasteurized milk over the past five years. Despite these trends, some consumers are still choosing domestic milk due to concerns about production and quality.

One reason consumers may be avoiding imported pasteurized milk is the difficulty in verifying the quality and grade of the product. In contrast, domestic fresh milk allows consumers to verify the grade and quality of the raw milk, often meeting the criteria for Grade 1 domestic raw milk set by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, which adds to its reliability.

 

Additionally, while the average shelf life of imported pasteurized milk is approximately one year, factors such as time spent in distribution may lead to a shorter perceived shelf life for consumers. This preference for domestic milk arises from such factors.

 

Imported milk also undergoes multiple stages of transportation before reaching Korea, which may potentially compromise its quality. Exposure to sunlight for extended periods during transit is one example of how milk quality may be affected.

 

In light of these concerns, the Korea Food and Drug Administration should consider strengthening regulations on imported milk. Consumers should also take into account not only the lower prices but also the overall information regarding production and quality when choosing their milk.