Latest news with #WorldMilkDay
The Journal
15-07-2025
- Business
- The Journal
Thousands in Irish public money spent on pushing cheap substitute 'milk' in West Africa
OVER €250,000 IN public funds have been used to help Irish dairy giants push products in West Africa that are 'putting its small scale farmers out of business'. That is according to a new investigation with DeSmog and Nigerian news outlet Premium Times on the impact of Ireland's booming fat-filled milk powder (FFMP) industry. The team can also reveal that certain brands are targeting advertising at Nigeria, Ghana and Senegal's parents, claiming the product is good for their children. It follows an investigation last year by The Journal Investigates and Premium Times exposing how large volumes of the cheap substitute 'milk' was being exported to West Africa, outcompeting local milk on price. Fat-filled milk powder is made by spray-drying skimmed milk combined with vegetable fats like palm or coconut oil because its dairy fats were removed to make more profitable products like butter. It cannot be sold in the EU as 'milk' because of the addition of palm or vegetable oil – with the vast majority shipped outside of Europe. While countries like the Netherlands, Germany, France and Poland also export FFMP, Ireland is by far the biggest player, exporting 30% of the EU's FFMP. Lakeland Dairies, Tirlán and Ornua, which had a combined turnover of €7.8bn in 2024, were the top exporters of FFMP to Nigeria and Ghana from 2021 to 2024 according to Volza export-import trade data. None of three companies responded to the team's requests for comment. Little known in Ireland, fat-filled milk powder is the State's largest (by volume) dairy export, and its fourth most valuable – worth €813 million last year. But its success continues to come at a cost for farmers in countries in West Africa, including Nigeria. Ireland's food and drink authority Bord Bia helped promote the product in these countries with a €170,745 taxpayer-funded 2023 trade mission and €82,500 on joint campaigns with Ornua for World Milk Day from 2021 to 2024. A number of other Irish products, including full-fat milk powder, were also promoted at these events. The Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine (DAFM) said that this 'was the first agri-food Ministerial Trade Mission to the West Africa region since 2015″. It included 'government-to-government meetings and Bord Bia and Enterprise Ireland engagements with leading customers for Irish agri-food and agri-tech'. 'Meetings also took place with UN Food and Agriculture Organisation and UN World Food Programme in relation to food security and humanitarian needs in the region.' Miksi, which is partly supplied by Lakeland Dairies, advertised in a shop in Nigeria. Beloved John / Premium Times Beloved John / Premium Times / Premium Times Investigations like this don't happen without your support… Impactful investigative reporting is powered by people like you. Advertisement Support The Journal Investigates Selling dairy to 'lactose intolerant' people The World Milk Day campaign promoted Ornua's FFMP product Kerrygold Avantage, alongside its full-cream milk powder which is made of full-fat milk. Details of this campaign, released following an Oireachtas question, included partnerships with social media influencers as well as making food and drinks with Kerrygold Avantage FFMP. A Bord Bia spokesperson told the investigative team that 'the campaigns were implemented across digital media channels (X and Instagram) incorporating promotion partnership with people or groups who have a significant following on social media'. Documents obtained from Bord Bia through Freedom of Information (FOI) requests highlight how market research demonstrated that the dairy industry could be selling lactose-high products to 'lactose intolerant' young people in Nigeria. The FOI documents also show how executives from Ireland's Lakeland Dairies, Tirlán and Ornua attended a slideshow presentation as part of the mission to 'increase knowledge of Irish dairy' in Nigeria and Senegal. While parts of the slideshow have been redacted, it reads 'the consumption of milk among young adults is low' adding 'many of them are lactose intolerant' in Nigeria. Fat-filled milk powder contains up to 37% lactose and intolerance to it can cause bloating, diarrhea, and stomach cramps. 'It's a common health issue in the country,' said Nigerian nutrition specialist Auwalu Aliyu. Market research commissioned by Bord Bia also showed that most consumers are unaware of the differences between whole milk powder and FFMP – an issue previously reported by The Journal Investigates . In relation to the promotion of FFMP, a DAFM spokesperson said that 'the placement of product on the market is a commercial decision for companies to make in accordance with the applicable legislation and market demand'. 'While promotional campaigns are an operational matter for Bord Bia, they have advised that their activities promoting Irish dairy to international customers are not typically product specific.' Redacted trade mission presentation, obtained from Bord Bia, which mentions lactose intolerance. Bord Bia (via FOI) Bord Bia (via FOI) 'Importance of brand building' Companies involved in the trade mission also enjoyed privileged access to key market players in Abuja and Lagos, Nigeria and Dakar in Senegal with attendees asked if they 'would be interested in a ministerial Top to Top meeting with [their] customer'. Bord Bia said it held a number of government-to-government meetings during the visit, while Bord Bia and Enterprise Ireland held engagements with 'leading customers for Irish agri-food and agri-tech'. 'Branded milk powder is clearly the consumers' choice,' notes one slide. Another reveals nearly all Nigerian shoppers buy branded milk powder – up from 84% in 2017 to 99% in 2023. A further line crossed out in the document noted 'the importance of brands and brand-building in Nigeria, even among lower social classes'. Separately, Bord Bia has said that there is 'difficulty in differentiating high and low quality FFMP' and that 'having more branded products with information on provenance and specifications can support the differentiation of our quality product'. The same presentation notes that West Africa's increasing population is a driving factor for growth in FFMP imports – summarised in the slideshow as 'more mouths to feed'. Urbanisation was equated to 'easier to access mouths'. Related Reads Irish products among cheap EU dairy forcing some West African farmers out of business Health and environmental claims Cheaper than fresh milk, FFMP has a longer shelf life and is marketed as a 'good' source of protein. It is used as a milk substitute, tea and coffee 'creamer' and a base for yoghurts, drinks and desserts. Perceptions of the product as healthy and sustainable are carefully crafted in West Africa, where consumers are targeted through social media, billboards, TV and in-person campaigns. Analysis of hundreds of Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok posts from 2022 to 2024, found brands frequently make claims about the health benefits and environmental impacts of their products. Kerrygold Nigeria promotes its products as sustainable, claiming on X that its dairy 'reduces its environmental footprint, while also providing nutritious foods and livelihoods around the world'. It also claimed that Kerrygold Avantage Milk guarantees 'rich creamy goodness'. Ornua, who makes this, did not respond to the investigative team's queries. However, Barry Newman, the then regional head for Ornua North & Central Africa, addressed sustainability at the launch of Kerrygold Avantage FFMP in Nigeria in 2019. He said that Kerrygold Avantage was 'always going to be sourced on the island of Ireland which has a long long history of milk production'. He also said that the company was proud that 'the palm oil that is used in Kerrygold will be from responsibly sourced palm oil producers which constitutes 20% of the world's palm oil production'. A post on Instagram by Kerrygold Nigeria promoting the Avantage FFMP product. @kerrygoldnigeria on Instagram @kerrygoldnigeria on Instagram A DAFM spokesperson did say that 'Ireland's carbon footprint per unit of milk produced is one of the lowest amongst milk-producing countries due to our grass-based production system' but did not provide any links to research which supports that statement. Miksi, a major fat-filled milk powder brand partly supplied by Ireland's Lakeland Dairies, said on Facebook it 'contains all the calcium, proteins and vitamins essential for the proper development of growing children'. Though Lakeland Dairies is not the ultimate seller of Miksi in Nigeria, it is listed on Volza export data as shipping milk powder containing vegetable fats and oils under the Miksi brand name. On it's website, Lakeland Dairies states that its fat-filled milk powder is 'a staple in global markets due to its quality, consistency, flavour and functionality'. Tirlán, who claims to be the largest producer of FFMP in Europe, states online that its product 'is designed to offer an affordable alternative source of dairy nutrition without compromising on taste and texture'. 'Zero health outcome data for this product' While some experts told the investigative team there has been little research on the nutritional qualities of FFMP and 'zero health outcome data', the product was celebrated as 'a fabulous success story for Irish farmers' at a May symposium on milk drying technology in Cork. 'A lot of the public just see butter and cheese and think, that's the dairy industry,' director of Dairy Industry Ireland, Conor Mulvihill, said at the conference. He added: We are no longer a dairy industry, we're a nutrition industry. 'There's a huge demand for Irish butter… which means we have a lot of grass based protein powders that then can be shipped at ambient temperatures around the world.' We asked dairy experts at the event about the nutritional impact of replacing milk fat with vegetable oils to make FFMP. The Irish and US panellists stayed silent while Gert Hols from Danone in the Netherlands said: 'There is research happening.' Dr Emma Feeney, an assistant professor at University College Dublin's School of Agriculture and Food Sciences, said it's 'almost a bit of a black box – there isn't a huge pile of work on the nutritional side of it'. Dr Shireen Kassam, a haematologist and honorary senior lecturer at King's College Hospital, said: 'We have absolutely zero health outcome data for this product.' Sign up The Journal Investigates is dedicated to lifting the lid on how Ireland works. Our newsletter gives you an inside look at how we do this. Sign up here... Sign up .spinner{transform-origin:center;animation:spinner .75s infinite linear}@keyframes spinner{100%{transform:rotate(360deg)}} You are now signed up EU regulations state that fat-filled milk powder should contain at least 23% protein and a maximum of 30% fat. Packaging analysed by this investigation showed Miksi FFMP sold in Nigeria contains only 10% protein and 35% fat, while Kerrygold Avantage met the requirements. Tom Lynton Tom Lynton Nigerian farmers are struggling Farmers in the region told The Journal Investigates last year that it was cheaper to import milk than buy it locally. That continues to be a problem. 'The FFMP exported to West Africa is putting African farmers out of business, while simultaneously driving up Ireland's greenhouse gas emissions,' Paul Murphy TD told the investigative team. Aliyu Ilu, chief executive of five-acre Little Acres dairy farm in Abuja, Nigeria said they 'struggle with several things'. 'These range from electricity to transportation to the high cost of feed for the cattle' as well as the lack of security, climate complications, infrastructure issues and little government funding. Meanwhile in Ireland, where the Environmental Protection Agency continuously highlights how agricultural intensification is impacting waterways and risking government climate targets, dairy is heavily subsidised through Common Agricultural Policy. Bord Bia – and Ireland's dairy industry – routinely claim Irish dairy production is sustainable and has one of the lowest carbon footprints in Europe due to 'grass-based production'. Dr Elaine McGoff, head of advocacy for Ireland's National Trust An Taisce said this oft cited claim is 'based largely on old, outdated data' with a study claiming that, later debunked. Researchers instead found 'Ireland had the fourth highest emissions in Europe for dairy production'. She added: 'The intensification of agriculture, particularly dairy expansion, over the last decade is driving all of our environmental indicators off a cliff.' But not all Irish farmers consider intensive farming a 'success story'. 'The problem is that the dairy production that we have a lot of, is far beyond what the capacity of the ecosystems can carry in terms of water, in terms of energy,' said Fergal Anderson, vegetable farmer and member of Ireland's grassroots farmers group Talamh Beo. He added: 'I think most farmers wouldn't be happy to think that FFMP is where their milk ends up… that it's actually undermining a farm family somewhere else.' The Journal Investigates Reporters: Shauna Corr , Brigitte Wear , Phoebe Cooke and Beloved John • Investigation Partners: DeSmog and Premium Times • Social Media: Cliodhna Travers • Main Image Design: Lorcan O'Reilly Investigations like this don't happen without your support... Impactful investigative reporting is powered by people like you. Over 5,000 readers have already supported our mission with a monthly or one-off payment. Join them here: Support The Journal
NDTV
15-06-2025
- Politics
- NDTV
"If You Wouldn't Drink Dogs' Milk...": PETA India's Ad Promoting Veganism Criticised Online
Animal rights group PETA India is facing criticism online for its latest veganism campaign, launched earlier this month on World Milk Day. People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) India unveiled a bold and provocative billboard in Mumbai and other cities with the message: "If You Wouldn't Drink Dogs' Milk, Why Drink the Milk of Any Other Species?" The ad features a woman drinking a dog's milk, aiming to challenge speciesism - the bias that favours certain species over others. In a press note, PETA claimed that the billboard has been displayed in several major cities, including Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Mumbai, and Noida. "There's nothing natural about forcefully impregnating cows and buffaloes, stealing their babies, and consuming the milk meant for their young. PETA India's billboard makes the simple point that people who are disgusted by the idea of drinking dogs' milk should question why they consider it acceptable to consume another animal's milk and go vegan," the group wrote in its press note. PETA India also shared the picture of the billboard on social media, with the caption, "Dairy production is rooted in cruelty, from forced impregnation to the heartbreaking separation of calves from their mothers. Cows are not milk machines; their milk is for calves, not humans. Ditch dairy." PETA India's approach, however, didn't sit well with several social media users as they felt the ad went too far. "This message could've been conveyed differently. This just misses the mark entirely." Another user added, "How do I unsee this now?" wrote one user. "Whoever's on PETA's campaign team needs to log off forever," commented another. "Distasteful ad. There are many other ways to promote veganism, this isn't one. It's disturbing to edit images this way. The only thing going for you, is that dogs can't speak up. Else they definitely wouldn't have liked being edited, presented in such a manner. Sorry," said a third user. Some users, however, defended the campaign, saying, "If this disturbs you, it's because the reality is disturbing. We've just normalised it. Drinking milk from any animal-dog, cow, buffalo-is equally odd. PETA is just asking us to pause and think." "Urgent need for more production of vegan milk with less cost. Will be more impactful if the government starts promoting it," suggested another.
India Today
14-06-2025
- Entertainment
- India Today
PETA India's 'dog milk' ad to push veganism leaves Internet queasy, not convinced
An ad meant to promote veganism has ended up making people squirm instead. People for Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) India's latest campaign, launched on World Milk Day, has drawn heavy criticism online for its unsettling imagery and ad features a woman about to drink a dog's milk. It carries the message: 'If you wouldn't drink dogs' milk, why drink the milk of any other species? Please. Try vegan.'advertisementOriginally posted on Instagram, PETA claimed the billboard appeared in several major cities: Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Bhopal, Chennai, Mumbai, and Noida. In the caption, the organisation wrote, 'Dairy production is rooted in cruelty, from forced impregnation to the heartbreaking separation of calves from their mothers. Cows are not milk machines; their milk is for calves, not humans. Ditch dairy.'Take a look at the post here: The approach, however, didn't sit well with several users online. One person commented, 'Whoever's on PETA's campaign team needs to log off forever,' while another called it 'stupid content' and 'disgusting.'Social media users felt the ad went too far. A user said, 'This message could've been conveyed differently. This just misses the mark entirely.' Another user added, 'How do I unsee this now?'advertisementWhile outrage dominated, not everyone opposed the ad's intent. One user defended the campaign, saying, 'If this disturbs you, it's because the reality is disturbing. We've just normalised it. Drinking milk from any animal—dog, cow, buffalo—is equally odd. PETA is just asking us to pause and think.'See the comments here: Though the campaign aimed to provoke reflection on dairy consumption, it instead triggered a wider debate on how far is 'too' far when it comes to advertisements. Trending Reel
Leader Live
08-06-2025
- General
- Leader Live
Community litter pick held in Plas Madoc in Wrexham
Organised by We Are Plas Madoc and AVOW, the event took place on June 3 and saw pupils from Ysgol Rhosymedre join forces with residents and local leaders to help clean up and improve their neighbourhood. Paul Blackwell, community councillor, said: "It was a real privilege to be invited to take part in today's litter pick in Plas Madoc. "I was incredibly impressed by the enthusiasm of the young people from Ysgol Rhosymedre and the care and effort everyone brought to the task. "I would like to personally commend Donna Jordan, who continues to demonstrate outstanding commitment to this community. "Through her work with We Are Plas Madoc, she's helping to create not just a cleaner environment, but a stronger and more connected one too. "Her passion and professionalism are making a real difference, and it's a pleasure to support initiatives like this." The event was led by Donna Jordan, community development officer with We Are Plas Madoc. READ MORE: Farmers union of Wales shares the importance of dairy as part of World Milk Day She said: "This litter pick was about more than just tidying up – it was about showing how much we all care for Plas Madoc. "Seeing so many volunteers, especially the young ones, give their time and energy today was truly inspiring. "During Volunteers' Week, it's humbling to witness the spirit of giving back in action. "These moments remind us that real change happens when people come together – no matter how big or small the act. "I'm so proud to be part of a community that steps up for one another, and I want to thank every single person who made today possible. "You're the heart of what we do at We Are Plas Madoc."
Leader Live
06-06-2025
- Health
- Leader Live
Farmers union of Wales shares the importance of dairy
On the 1st of June, we once again celebrated World Milk Day, with the global community coming together to highlight the brilliance of milk as an accessible and nutrient rich food source that feeds billions of people around the world. In 2024, the World Milk Day campaign recorded 2.7 million social media engagements with contributions from over 100 countries. As the balance of wealth varies significantly across the globe, so do the challenges of nutrition. Malnutrition does not only describe 'undernutrition' but also includes overnutrition and micronutrition deficiencies which was reported in 2024 to affect 3 billion people worldwide. In whichever form, malnutrition, from its cruel suffering seen in poorer countries or areas enduring natural disasters or civil unrest, to those being over-fed and undernourished at the other end of global wealth, can cause irreversible effects to a child's physical and mental development. The consequence of malnutrition is associated with poorer academic performance which in turn impacts productivity and equates to a financial burden. Due to its nutrient rich content of essential vitamins, minerals, protein, calcium, iodine, riboflavin and B12, dairy is seen to play a vital role in combating malnutrition especially given its accessibility and affordability. In stark contrast to the issues of malnutrition, dairy is also considered an essential food source in fueling elite athletes and fitness enthusiasts. Again, due to its affordability, product range, nutrient composition and readily available protein, dairy products are an important construct in the balanced diet consumed by athletes of all abilities Here in Wales, dairy plays a huge part in our agricultural sector, and in 2020/21, it is estimated that Welsh farmers supplied 2.0 billion litres of milk. Despite its importance, the Welsh dairy sector faces considerable challenges, including the ongoing burden of bovine TB, market volatility, rising input costs, and uncertainties surrounding new environmental regulations and agricultural support schemes. These pressures have led to a notable reduction in the number of dairy farms in Wales over recent years. Nevertheless, our farmers continue to produce high-quality milk that is enjoyed across the nation, and the Farmers' Union of Wales continue to lobby for greater support for this key sector. All in all, milk is an exceptionally valuable source of nutrition for everyone. It caters flexibility in its product range and offers far more than just a great tasting food. The health benefits of consuming dairy applies to all ages and abilities and is fully deserving of this day to celebrate the power of a glass of milk, as one, with our neighbours across the globe!
