Utah Milk Packers Score High in National Survey

A Joint News Release by the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food and the Utah Dairy Commission

When it comes to milk, Utah consumers are getting more than they pay for. That's the result of a state-wide survey of the accuracy of milk packaging of eight dairies operating in Utah.

The Utah Department of Agriculture and Food (UDAF) and the Utah Dairy Commission today announced the results of a nation-wide study of milk labeling practices. The test was conducted by UDAF Weights and Measures Inspectors, under the direction of the Federal Trade Commission, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, and the National Institute of Standards and Technology.

The results of the 46-state survey show that Utah is among the top ten states for accuracy in milk packaging. A total of 73 tests were conducted in Utah schools, retail outlets and dairies. Sixty six tests passed, while seven failed, for a 90.41 percent approval/accuracy rating. Only 8 other states scored higher. According to survey results, the 66 tests that passed showed an over filling of containers by an average of 0.2 oz. (2/10ths), the seven tests that failed showed an under filling of about .07 oz. (7/100ths). In general, the survey showed that Utah consumers and students received about .10 oz. (1/10th) more milk per container than they were paying for during the test period.

"We are very pleased with this year's findings," said Kyle Stephens, Director of the Division of Regulatory Services. "Many of the dairies and milk packagers were eager to adjust their procedures during the past year to assure a proper volume in their products," he added.

The UDAF offered an education program to the various milk packagers in the state to correct any under filling during the past year. "Dairy products are the most strictly regulated food in the United States. The quality of milk is monitored every step of the way, from the cow to the consumer's table," said Karen Barker, manager of the Dairy Farmers of Utah. "The dairy industry has worked hard to ensure the accuracy of packaging and this was simply a necessary step in providing a high quality product for Utahns."

BACKGROUND

This study follows a smaller study conducted in 1997. Last year, national test results averaged just 55 percent of the tests passed inspection. A year later, in the 1998 follow-up study, more than 80 percent passed inspection. Last year 64 percent of Utah dairy products failed the tests, while less than 10 percent failed this year.

Federal and state agencies recently conducted two studies of the accuracy of net content statements on cartons of milk. The 1997 study found that many containers of milk sold at wholesale and retail and many cartons of milk served in schools, universities and hospitals contained less than the amount stated on the label. Although the individual packages shortages were very small, the cumulative effect of short-filling can be significant over time and across the industry.

Following the 1997 study, federal and state agencies worked closely with industry members in an effort to improve compliance. This 1998 follow-up study also shows that this effort has resulted in considerable improvement in the accuracy of net content statements on milk.

In the 1998 follow-up study, weights and measures officials across the country conducted inspections. Using procedures developed by the National Conference on Weights and Measures (NCWM) and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), the inspectors examined the accuracy of net content labeling on over 3,300 lots of milk served in schools, universities and hospitals and sold by retailers, packagers and dairies.

The eight dairies tested were: Cream O'Weber Dairy, Farm Fresh Dairy, Ideal Dairy, Meadow Gold Dairy, Smith's Food and Drug Dairy, Gossner's Foods Dairy, Johnny's Dairy and Winder Dairy. The milk tests were conducted in April and May of 1998, in schools and retail outlets throughout Utah.

Posted 13 Aug 1998