Is recombined milk safe to consume?

What is recombined milk?

Recombined milk is made by combining milk fat and milk solids-non-fat in preserved forms, such as butter oil and skim milk powder, with or without water (the Codex Alimentarius definition). Reconstituted milk is made by adding water back to dried or concentrated milk. Food regulations in several countries define them separately from fresh milk.

Is recombined milk safe to drink?

Yes, when it is processed properly. Safety comes from heat treatment and hygiene: commercial recombined milk is produced under hygienic conditions and heat treated, for example pasteurized or sterilized, depending on the product. Some are treated to be shelf-stable at room temperature. A product that is not heat treated, or mixed with unsafe water, would not be safe, which is why homemade mixtures need clean water and quick use.

Is reconstituted milk healthy?

It is a dairy product with similar basic nutrients to regular milk, such as protein and calcium. Fortification varies, so compare labels. Fat level and sugar can differ by product, and sweetened or flavored versions add sugar.

How to choose a safe product

• Look at the label: it should say recombined, reconstituted or milk powder.
• Check the best-before date and storage instructions.
• Keep refrigerated after opening, if directed.
• If milk smells sour or looks curdled, throw it away.

Mixing milk powder at home

1. Use clean, safe drinking water and clean containers.
2. Follow the package ratio.
3. Refrigerate the mixed milk and use it within the time on the pack.

For babies, use only infant formula prepared as its label says, never plain milk powder.

How does it differ from fresh milk?

Taste can be slightly flatter or cooked. It is often used where fresh milk is hard to get or expensive, and it stores longer. Allergies work the same way: it contains milk proteins and is not safe for people with a milk allergy.