Yay whey! China allows whey permeate exports

On 15 May 2020, China published an official safety and quality standard for using permeate powders in food processing, signifying that its market will now accept imports of the ingredient. This comes as a result of a recent trade agreement between the US and China; the standard applies globally, with permeate from any country able to be exported to China, provided it complies with the requirements. Arla Foods Ingredients, a global supplier of whey permeate, has welcomed the news.

“The opening of the Chinese market to permeate exports is highly significant for the global dairy ingredient industry. Demand for permeate is rising fast in China, just as it is across the world,” said Henrik Jacob Hjortshoej, Head of Sales Development, Food at Arla Foods Ingredients.

Whey permeate is a milk solid with around 80% lactose content; when used as a bulking agent, it is claimed to be a cost-effective replacement for skimmed milk powder, lactose and sweet whey powder. Powdered permeate received a Codex Alimentarius International standard in 2017.

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