Milk and dairy products as food materials

Abstract

Europe with a long and proud tradition of dairy farming is about 105% selfsufficient in dairy products. This paper has been developed to answer the questions: (I) Should Europe continue to c o n m e a high level of dairy products?(2) Should Europe remain self-sufficient in dairy products? (3) If the answers to I and 2 are 'yes', is any change required in Europe's attitude towards the use of dairy products?There are four principal reasons why any food commodity should be included in the diet: nutritive value, organoleptic attributes, local availability and cost compared with alternatives.