I. Identify Key Certification Labels
1) Organic Certification
Western Regions:
United States: Choose milk with the USDA Organic label, which prohibits the use of antibiotics and synthetic hormones.
European Union: Look for the EU Organic label, which strictly limits the use of antibiotics (only allowed when animals are sick, with an extended withdrawal period required).
Australia/New Zealand: Seek ACO (Australian Certified Organic) or BioGro (New Zealand) certification.
Other Regions: Check for locally recognized organic certifications (such as Canada Organic in Canada and JAS Organic in Japan).
2) "Antibiotic-Free" Claims
Directly check if the packaging states "Antibiotic-Free" or "No Antibiotics" (such labeling is permitted in some countries).
Note: Organic milk in the United States and the European Union is already antibiotic-free by default, and no additional claims are necessary.
3) Animal Welfare Certifications
Labels such as Certified Humane and RSPCA Approved indirectly reflect good farm management practices and reduced antibiotic use.
II. Reading Product Labels
1) Ingredients List
Pure milk should only contain "Milk" (or its equivalent in the local language, such as "Lait" in French or "Milch" in German).
Avoid "Flavored Milk" or "Milk Drink" that contain additives (such as thickeners and flavorings).
2) Nutritional Information
Protein: Full-fat milk in Western countries typically contains 3.3-3.8g/100ml. Milk with less than 3.0g/100ml may be watered down or of poor quality.
Calcium Content: Natural milk contains approximately 120mg/100ml of calcium, while fortified milk products can have over 150mg/100ml (but beware of artificial additions).
3) Production Type
Pasteurized Milk: Labeled as "Fresh Milk", it requires refrigeration and retains more nutrients (such as B vitamins).
Ultra-High Temperature (UHT) Milk: Labeled as "Long Life Milk", it can be stored at room temperature and is suitable for stockpiling.
III. Choosing Reliable Brands and Channels
1) Local Well-Known Brands
United States: Organic Valley, Horizon Organic (for organic options), and Maple Hill (for grass-fed options).
European Union: Arla (Denmark/Sweden), Lactalis (France), and Parmalat (Italy).
Australia/New Zealand: A2 Milk, Lewis Road Creamery, and Anchor.
2) Purchase Channels
Supermarkets: Opt for large supermarket chains (such as Whole Foods, Waitrose, and Carrefour), where the organic sections are more trustworthy.
Direct Farm Supply: Visit local farmers' markets or subscribe to "Milk Delivery" services (like Milk & More in the UK).
Be Cautious of Low-Priced Products: Organic milk has higher production costs, so extremely low prices may indicate adulteration or substandard quality.
IV. Understanding Local Antibiotic Use Regulations
1) Western Countries:
European Union: The preventive use of antibiotics is prohibited. Antibiotics are only allowed during treatment, with strict withdrawal periods enforced.
United States: Organic farms are prohibited from using antibiotics, but non-organic farms may be allowed to use them (check the label for details).
2) Developing Countries:
Some countries have less stringent regulations. Prioritize imported brands or locally certified organic products.
V. Other Considerations
1) Choice of Fat Content
Whole Milk: Comprehensive in nutrition, suitable for children and pregnant women.
Low-Fat/Skim Milk: Suitable for individuals who need to control their calorie intake, but may result in the loss of fat-soluble vitamins (such as Vitamin D).
2) Special Needs
Lactose Intolerance: Choose Lactose-Free Milk (labeled as such).
Grass-Fed Milk: Rich in Omega-3 and higher in nutritional value (such as Irish Kerrygold).
3) Packaging and Shelf Life
Prefer packaging that protects against light (such as cartons) to minimize nutrient loss caused by exposure.
Pasteurized milk has a short shelf life (7-10 days), so consume it as soon as possible after purchase.
Post time: Feb-27-2025