Category: Dairy industry

Over 90% of commercial milk produced in the United States is Grade A, meeting the highest standards for fluid consumption. Understanding what do milk grades mean provides clarity on the rigorous quality control that governs the dairy industry from farm to fridge.

According to the USDA, Class II milk accounts for roughly 13.5% of total milk production in the United States and plays a vital role in the dairy processing sector. In the federal milk marketing system, the classification of raw milk is based on its final product use, which dictates its market price. What is Class II milk? It is primarily processed into soft, or fresh manufactured, dairy products.

In a 2021 study in Sudan, researchers found formaldehyde in 19.2% of raw milk samples, highlighting the illegal use of this chemical to preserve milk and extend its shelf life. The addition of this highly toxic substance is a serious food safety concern for consumers worldwide.

In 1946, the U.S. National School Lunch Act mandated that every school lunch include milk. This powerful historical action reveals that government interest in this beverage extends beyond simple dietary advice, intertwining public health objectives with economic policy to promote why the government wants us to drink milk.

With the global whey market size valued at $6.5 billion in 2023, and global milk production topping 944 million tonnes, the industry has seen remarkable growth in recent years. The question of which country produces the most whey is a complex one, influenced by cheese production, processing technology, and shifting export dynamics.

According to a 2024 report from India's FSSAI, a staggering number of food samples, including milk, were found to be non-conforming to safety standards, highlighting widespread adulteration issues. Unscrupulous sellers often add starch to milk, a deceptive tactic primarily driven by financial gain.

The United States dairy industry operates under a highly structured system where milk is categorized into different classes based on its end use. This classification significantly influences how milk is priced, with the Federal Milk Marketing Order (FMMO) system defining Class 3 milk as that used for hard cheeses and dry whey, among other items. This system creates a uniform pricing mechanism for farmers within specific regions.

According to the Federal Milk Marketing Order (FMMO), Class IV milk accounts for a significant portion of the total milk utilized each year, primarily converted into butter and dry milk products. Understanding what is class IV milk used for provides insight into the complex and regulated system that governs the dairy industry.

In August 2025, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) suspended the license of AR Dairy Food, a Tamil Nadu-based company, citing severe violations, which brought the issue of AR dairy into public focus. The suspension followed a detailed investigation into alleged adulteration of ghee and other irregularities related to a major tender for the revered Tirupati temple.

Following widespread misinformation on social media, many consumers are questioning what is the new chemical being added to milk? The recent controversy primarily concerns a cattle feed additive designed to reduce methane emissions, which experts confirm does not enter the milk supply.