Food watchdog orders recall of coconut juice in health risk over contamination with cow's milk
This post is on Healthwise
7:22PM GMT 22 Jan 2016
Coconut juice, costing as much as an eye-watering £5 a litre, may have become the must-have drink for the health-conscious.
But investigations by the official food watchdog have sparked fears that coconut juice is being tainted with cheaper milk.
The Food Standards Agency (FSA) issued two warnings over coconut juice drinks over the course of 48 hours in December. The watchdog is now considering randomly testing coconut juice sold in the UK for traces of cow’s milk.
“The FSA is investigating the ongoing cases of coconut drinks with the undeclared presence of milk. From the evidence gathered so far, the issues mainly relate to drinks that contained milk ingredients which were not appropriately labelled."
Food Standards Agency
There are concerns that some manufacturers, mainly thought to be in the Far East, are adding milk to whiten the product and make it more appealing. It may also be cheaper to do so although the FSA said there was no evidence to suggest the milk was being added ‘fraudulently’.
But the presence of cow’s milk has also sparked concerns of a possible health risk for people with dairy allergies who are unaware of the presence of milk in the products.
An FSA spokeswoman said: “The FSA is investigating the ongoing cases of coconut drinks with the undeclared presence of milk.
“From the evidence gathered so far, the issues mainly relate to drinks that contained milk ingredients which were not appropriately labelled.
“Currently, there is no evidence to suggest adulteration in relation to implicated products. At this stage we do not believe it is necessary to instigate an investigation into all coconut drinks in the UK market. However, further investigations may involve random testing of the products if necessary.”
The FSA issued recalls for two coconut juice products in December. V Fresh Coconut Milk Drink, which is imported from Thailand and sold in 240ml cans, was withdrawn with a warning from the FSA that “this product contains milk, making it a possible health risk for anyone who is allergic or has an intolerance to milk or milk constituents”
It also announced the recall of Orthodox Coconut Palm brand’s coconut juice, which is produced in China, and sold in 245ml cans.
The move by the FSA follows testing of coconut juice drinks in Australia in August and September. Australia's department of agriculture ordered all coconut juice which did not declare milk on its list of ingredients be sent to laboratories for testing. The concern in Australia was prompted by the collapse of a nine-year-old boy who suffered a serious allergic reaction after drinking three sips of Coco Joy coconut milk, manufactured in Malaysia and Saudi Arabi, wand which was labelled 'dairy free'.
Australian newspapers also reported a 10-year-old boy died from an allergic reaction to a coconut drink in December 2013 called Greentime Natural Coconut Drink, which was imported from Taiwan. The drink was recalled and the company that imported it pleaded guilty to three mislabelling charges last year.
Coconut water has seen a huge rise in sales in recent years. According to the Grocer magazine, sales are now worth £50 million a year, boosted by claims of huge health benefits, and the backing of the drink with celebrity endorsements.
Coconut water is marketed as a healthier alternative to sugary juices and is claimed to be cholesterol and fat free and full of minerals and vitamins.
Vita Coco, the best selling brand, is endorsed by the likes of the pop singers Rihanna and Madonna and the film actors Matthew McConaughey and Demi Moore. There is no suggestion that Vita Coco, which is made from 100 per cent coconut water, is contaminated with dairy milk.
FOR AND AGAINST
Coconut water
Picture: Alamy
FOR
- Sugar:
- Coconut juice has less sugar than many sports drinks and much less sugar than sodas and some fruit juices.
- Magnesium:
- A serving of coconut water take care of about 14 per cent of your daily magnesium needs.
- Potassium:
- Researchers have found coconut water has five times the potassium that’s available in Powerade and Gatorade.
- Antioxidants:
- Coconut water contains a lot of antioxidants, which help prevent the damage to our bodies caused by free radicals.
AGAINST
- Sustainability:
- Typhoons have battered the Philippines over the last few years and the country's already vulnerable coconut trees took a hit even as demand for trendy coconut-based products is climbing.
- Cost:
- Coconut water can sell for £5 a litre. “I’d rather spend my money on natural foods and not an expensive, over-hyped fluid,” says Nancy Clark, a registered dietitian.
- Contamination:
- There are concerns that some manufacturers are adding milk to whiten the product and make it more appealing.
- Water is fine:
- The bottom line, according to experts, is that most people who even lightly exercise do not need sports drinks or coconut water - plain water is just fine.
