Organic Milk & Iodine Study: “Pure Scaremongering”

The academic report, published yesterday, claims that organic milk contains around a third less iodine than non-organic milk and that this could affect the brain development of unborn babies. However, the study took place 16 months ago and pre-dates independent testing which reveals that organic and non-organic milk now have comparable iodine levels.

Roger Kerr, chief executive of OF&G said, “The research relating to lower iodine levels in organic milk that has been widely reported on today, has been exposed as out of date (July 2013) and no longer reflects the current state of organic milk. OMSCo – the Organic Milk Suppliers Cooperative, who supplies 2/3 of the UK’s organic milk, has been working closely with farmers to ensure the levels of iodine in organic dairy cows’ feed are equivalent to non-organic herds. Indeed, independent tests undertaken in January 2015 show comparable iodine levels.

“Organic dairy farmers work tirelessly to ensure they deliver high quality milk that has been proven to deliver other significant health benefits. Scientific studies have shown that organic whole and semi-skimmed milk has more beneficial omega-3 fatty acid, Vitamin E and beta-carotene than non-organic milk.

“It is damaging to the public’s perception of organic milk and ultimately to the farmer’s livelihoods that credence is given to a report, even when its findings no longer accurately represent the situation. Working with our organic licensees and other organic partners, OF&G will continue to support organic dairy farmers.”

Helen Browning, chief executive at the Soil Association said, “This is pure scaremongering. Pregnant women should not stop drinking organic milk in response to this research, which repeats findings from a study published in 2013. This research is incomplete and to draw these conclusions is incredibly irresponsible.

“There are scientifically proven health and environmental benefits of organic milk which are valuable as part of a balanced and healthy diet. Studies show that organic whole and semi-skimmed milk has more beneficial omega-3 fatty acid, Vitamin E and beta-carotene than non-organic milk, and studies by Glasgow and Liverpool Universities found that UK organic milk has 68% higher levels of the essential fatty acid than non-organic milk.

“Any switch from organic milk risks losing all these substantial health benefits.

“The Soil Association is aware of potentially lower levels of iodine in organic milk and we are working with farmers and scientists to find ways of addressing this issue whilst keeping all the other benefits consumers rightly expect.”

The University of Reading study can be found here