Non-Veg Milk: What Is This Latest Controversy Between India And US?

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'Non-veg milk' refers to milk from cows fed animal byproducts like bone meal and meat powder, a practice common in the US but seen as non-vegetarian by Indian dietary standards
The idea of non-vegetarian milk has raised eyebrows, challenging long-held assumptions about dairy. The agreement between US and India on dairy products remains stalled due to this dispute. Milk is now being categorised as vegetarian or non-vegetarian based on its source and production methods.
India has classified certain American dairy products as non-vegetarian. This stems from the widespread belief that cows do not consume meat, as it goes against their natural diet and well-being.
India and the US aim to increase bilateral trade to $500 billion by 2030, but talks over dairy imports have been stalled. India has been refusing US dairy products citing cultural concerns. The biggest hurdle in this is 'non-vegetarian milk", citing which India has refused to allow US dairy imports.
The term 'non-veg milk" may sound surprising, as milk has traditionally been considered a vegetarian product. However, in recent years, it has become the subject of international controversy, particularly between countries like the United States and India.
While 'non-veg milk" is not a recognised scientific term, it refers to milk produced by cows that are fed feed containing animal byproducts such as bone meal and meat powder. This practice, common in some countries including the US, clashes with Indian dietary norms, where such feed is seen as rendering the milk non-vegetarian.
These include powdered meat and bones of dead animals, fish meal, and animal fat. When cows are fed such animal-derived ingredients, their milk is not considered 'pure vegetarian" by certain religious communities.
Why India And The US Are At Odds Over 'Non-Veg' Milk
The controversy is rooted in religious and cultural beliefs. In India, the idea that a cow has been fed meat-based or non-vegetarian fodder is unacceptable to many. Such milk is not considered holy or suitable for consumption. Several religious groups, particularly Hindu and Jain communities, believe that a cow must be strictly vegetarian for its milk to be regarded as pure and sacred.
Do American Dairy Exporters Use Animal-Based Feed For Their Cattle?
Many American dairy companies that export products like milk powder, ghee, and butter to India often raise their cows on non-vegetarian feed. This practice has led to religious and ethical objections from Indian consumers.
What Labelling Does India Require For Dairy Products From Cows Fed Animal‑Based Feed?
In 2021–22, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) proposed a rule stating that if the milk used in a dairy product comes from cows fed animal-based feed, the product must carry a 'non-veg' symbol on its packaging. This move sparked objections from American companies and trade groups, who argued that milk should still be considered vegetarian since it is produced by the cow's body and not derived directly from the feed.
Why Are Cows Fed Non-Veg Feed Abroad?
Dead animal bones and flesh are added to cattle feed to boost protein content, while fish meal provides both protein and omega fatty acids. Chicken waste is used as a low-cost, nutrient-rich feed, and pig or cow fat is added as a calorie supplement. Such practices are common on a large scale in countries like the United States, Brazil, and across Europe.
What Do Cows Eat In India?
In India, cows are primarily fed vegetarian feed such as dry straw, green fodder, maize, wheat grains, and bran. While some large dairy farms have begun adopting foreign feeding practices, non-vegetarian feed remains widely unacceptable due to strong religious sentiments.
How To Identify Pure Vegetarian Milk?
Branded milk often carries labels such as '100% Vegetarian Feed", 'Gaushala Based," or 'Organic Veg Feed", indicating that the cows were not fed any animal-derived ingredients. In the case of local dairy farms, it is common to inquire about the cow's diet. Milk sourced from gaushalas is generally considered the most reliable. If the cow is given only green fodder, dry straw, oil cakes, and grains, the milk is regarded as pure vegetarian.
Many local dairies in India also identify themselves as 'rendered feed free," stating on their packaging that their cows are fed exclusively on plant-based feed with no animal by-products.
Take the example of 'A2 Milk from Gaushalas". Several cow-based organisations in India, such as Akhil Bhartiya Gauseva Sangh and Panchgavya-based dairies, produce milk from A2 breeds of indigenous cows while ensuring a completely vegetarian feed. Preference is often given to milk that is 'Organic Certified," as it typically adheres to strict vegetarian feeding practices.
Can Lab Tests Detect Non-Veg Elements In Milk?
Laboratory testing can help trace certain markers in milk, such as its fatty acid profile, carnitine levels, or traces of fish oil. However, these tests are complex and expensive. As of now, there is no reliable method to determine definitively whether a cow was fed vegetarian or meat-based fodder just by analysing the milk.
Which Countries Feed Cows Non-Vegetarian Fodder?
Apart from the United States, many countries feed cows non-vegetarian fodder—containing meat, bones, fish meal, and animal fat, especially in dairy and beef production. In Brazil, poultry waste, fish meal, and animal fat are commonly used to reduce costs. In China, mixed animal-based feed is widespread, particularly in industrial farming. Such feed practices are also common in Europe, Russia, Mexico, Thailand, and the Philippines, where local regulations tend to be less stringent.
Is There A Difference Between Milk From Veg-Fed And Non-Veg-Fed Cows?
There may be some differences between the two, but they are typically subtle and occur at the micro level. These variations generally do not have a significant impact on health or taste.
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Is Milk From Non-Veg-Fed Cows Harmful To Health?
Most scientific studies have found that milk produced from non-vegetarian feed is nutritionally safe for consumption.
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dairy farming dairy products feed Gaushala India US trade milk non-vegetarian Organic United states
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New Delhi, India, India
First Published:
July 17, 2025, 12:36 IST
News explainers Non-Veg Milk: What Is This Latest Controversy Between India And US? | Explained
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