Safe milk proteins for human consumption

KEY POINTS

Casein, along with whey, is one of the major proteins in milk. It is used in cheese-making, as a fining agent to clarify wine and as a dietary supplement. The caseins covered in the directive are:

• edible acid casein: obtained by washing and drying skimmed milk solids following an acid separation process;
• edible rennet casein: obtained by washing and drying skimmed milk solids following a separation process which uses rennet, a natural substance produced in the stomachs of cattle;
• edible caseinate: obtained after adding a neutralising agent to casein (changing the level of acidity), followed by drying. Potassium hydroxide is one such agent and is used to make the protein more soluble for use in clarifying wine.

Labelling

The name of the milk product (casein or caseinate) should be marked on all packaging. In the case of mixtures, the following wording must be used: ‘mixture of …’, followed by a list of products in decreasing order of weight.

For edible caseinates, the name of the neutralising or other agent used should also be given.

The label must also state:

• the protein content of mixtures containing edible caseinates;
• the net weight;
• the name and address of the food business, or importer if the product is from outside the EU;
• the country of origin if outside the EU;
• the lot identification of the products or the date of production.

This information could alternatively be listed in an accompanying document.

An EU country must prohibit the sale of these milk products if they are not marked on labels in a language easily understood by purchasers in that country.

Standards

Annexes to the directive set out standards for caseins and caseinates, such as the minimum protein percentage. If the minimum milk protein content is exceeded, this may be marked on packaging. The annexes also list permitted casein-processing substances and additives, including agents used to produce caseinates.

Repeal

The directive repeals Directive 83/417/EEC with effect from 22 December 2016.