You might find the answer to your question amongst these common queries. Should you require answers to a question not listed here, then our Consumer Information Centre is happy to assist.
- Aren’t low fat milks just watered down?
- What is the incidence of allergy to cow’s milk?
- Milk causes mucus - is this true?
- Is it true that milks are a high fat food?
- Is Calcium the only vitamin or mineral contained in milk?
- Are longlife products as nutritious as fresh products?
- Do longlife products contain a lot of preservatives?
- How long will fresh milk last once opened?
- I want some more product information in relation to gluten, added sugar, low in fat, suitable for vegetarian/vegan/lactose intolerance.
- What is the difference between homogenised and unhomogenised milk?
- Is Organic or Biodynamic milk a healthier alternative to normal full cream milk?
- Should Organic milk have lumps in it?
- How do I find out the availability of certain products (ie. which is the closest store to me that sells a product I am interested in)?
- I have a query on a current promotion.
- I would like to find a recipe that uses Parmalat products.
- Can you freeze milk?
- Why do milk bottles and cartons sometimes leak?
- What can I do if a product I have purchased is at or past its expiry date?
- Why would a product I normally buy disappear from store shelves?
Q. Aren’t low fat milks just watered down?
A. Lower fat milks (reduced fat & skim milks) are not full cream milk with water added. These milks actually have some or all of the cream removed. The reason that the milk is less creamy in taste is because there is a lower amount of cream remaining.
Q. What is the incidence of allergy to cow’s milk?
A. True cow’s milk allergy is rare. It is estimated that it is only seen in approximately 2% of children. Misdiagnosis and subsequent avoidance of milk is a major concern. Diagnosis and dietary intervention should only be made by a qualified health professional.
Q. Milk causes mucus - is this true?
A. Milk is only linked to mucus in the case of a true milk allergy. For people without milk allergy, saliva can occasionally become thicker in the mouth but this is only due to a reaction with the milk protein. This thickened saliva may feel like mucus, but occurs nowhere other than the mouth.
Q. Is it true that milks are a high fat food?
A. No. Full cream milk is only 3.6% fat, or 96.4% Fat Free. Milk contains many essential vitamins and minerals and you can acquire these valuable nutrients from a source such as milk without having to worry greatly about the associated fat intake.
Q. Is Calcium the only vitamin or mineral contained in milk?
A. No. Milk (and other dairy foods) contain many essential vitamins and minerals, including: Calcium, Carbohydrate,Magnesium, Phosphorus, Potassium, Protein (Amino Acids), Riboflavin, Vitamin A, Vitamin B group (B1, B2, B6 , B12), Zinc.
Q. Are longlife products as nutritious as fresh products?
A. There is no significant change in the nutritional quality of longlife products. These milks are still a valuable source of protein and calcium as are fresh milks.
Q. Do longlife products contain a lot of preservatives?
A. There are no preservatives in UHT products. When products are put through the ultra heat treatment (UHT) they are made sterile (free from any live bacteria). The product is then sealed in sterile packaging to prevent contamination.
Q. How long will fresh milk last once opened?
A. Fresh milk should last unopened until the use by date, provided the storage temperature is maintained between 2º and 4ºC. We do not recommend storing in door of refrigerator as some refrigerator doors can be 6ºC higher in temperature than the body of the refrigerator - at 8ºC the milk may only stay wholesome for 3 days. Once opened it should last to the use by date if it has been stored and handled correctly (4ºC) but the life may be significantly shortened if mistreated. For long life (or UHT) milk, we recommend that milk is consumed within 7 days of opening.
Q. I want some more product information in relation to gluten, added sugar, low in fat, suitable for vegetarian/vegan/lactose intolerance.
A. We suggest consumers e-mail us their query or call us directly on 1800 676 961.
Q. What is the difference between homogenised and unhomogenised milk?
A. Homogenised milk has the cream distributed evenly throughout the milk. The milk is forced under pressure through a fine sieve which reduces the size of the fat globules and evenly distributes them through the milk. Unhomogenised milk will have a cream layer on top of the milk.
Q. Is Organic or Biodynamic milk a healthier alternative to normal full cream milk?
A. Organic and Biodynamic farms are certified and follow a strict set of guidelines in relation to soils, crops and chemicals - to this end, consumers feel organic milk is more pure, however, nutritional value is similar to normal full cream milk.
Q. Should Organic milk have lumps in it?
A. Parmalat's Pure Organic milk in 1L cartons is unhomogenised - so it will have the cream forming on the top as with any other unhomogenised milk. The amount of cream can vary due to seasonal changes. The cream particles will cluster together so they can appear as lumps. Simply shake the carton to disperse the cream globules throughout the milk.
Q. How do I find out the availability of certain products (ie. which is the closest store to me that sells a product I am interested in)?
A. We suggest consumers e-mail us their query or call us directly on 1800 676961.
Q. I have a query on a current promotion.
A. We suggest consumers e-mail us their query or call us directly on 1800 676 961.
Q. I would like to find a recipe that uses Parmalat products.
A. View our range of delicious recipes here.
Q. Can you freeze milk?
A. See Freezing & Thawing section.
Q. Why do milk bottles and cartons sometimes leak?
A. The force of milk pushing against the lid when bottles are laid down may cause milk to leak from the cap. Labels state "Store in upright position" and we recommend you store all bottles and cartons upright in your fridge. In rare cases, damage to packaging or faulty caps can also be responsible for leaking.
Q. What can I do if a product I have purchased is at or past its expiry date?
A. Advise the store where you purchased the product and return for a refund. Parmalat prints Use by Dates on packs for the purpose of consumer information as well as for stores to conduct efficient stock rotation.
