A group of experts from different fields is coming together to look into issues raised by consumers surrounding the consistency of butter and animal feed supplements containing palm byproducts. The working group includes prominent academics and experts from across Canada with a diverse range of expertise. All are recognized as leaders in their fields, with specializations in areas such as dairy nutrition, animal health, sustainability, food science and human nutrition.

Consumers will have a clear voice, as the working group includes representation from the Consumers’ Association of Canada. The working group also includes participation from dairy processors and farm-level experts.

“The working group is led by experts of high integrity and will examine issues related to butter hardness and fat supplementation using a rigorous, evidence-based approach,” said Daniel Lefebvre, chief operations officer of Lactanet and chair of the expert working group. “The working group will set the scope of its work, not industry associations, and will follow the science wherever it may lead, so that consumers can have the utmost confidence in our work.”

DFC looks forward to the working group’s conclusions as our industry prides itself on upholding the highest standards and best practices in dairy production rooted in science and data.

Milk produced in Canada is of high quality and subject to Canada’s robust health and safety standards. As well, all animal feeds used on dairy farms are approved by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency and are safe for animals.

Founded in 1934, Dairy Farmers of Canada (DFC) is the national organization which defends the interests of Canadian dairy farmers and strives to create favourable conditions for the Canadian dairy industry. Working in accordance with supply management principles, DFC promotes safe, high quality, sustainable and nutritious Canadian dairy products made from 100% Canadian milk through various marketing, nutrition, policy and lobbying initiatives. Driven by a strong sense of community and pride, DFC and Canadian dairy farmers actively support a number of local and national activities. Visit Dairy Farmers of Canada for more information.