Consumers warned against buying dairy products made of powdered milk

AMMAN — Authorities on Tuesday warned consumers against buying yoghurt made with powdered milk as it has negative impacts on health.

Agriculture Ministry Spokesperson Nimer Haddadin said some of the yoghurt sold in the local market is made out of powdered milk, which is illegal.

Dairy products manufactured from powdered milk contain very high amounts of hydrogenated oil, which has adverse health effects, according to officials. 

“It is cheaper than regular yoghurt and so those who make it take advantage of people’s difficult financial situation,” Haddadin added. 

He noted that this product is sold at JD1.60 per container while the regular yoghurt costs between JD4 and JD5. 

“I call on people to check any dairy product they want to buy by reading the details printed on the box.”

Haddadin said the Jordan Food and Drug Administration (JFDA) is responsible for monitoring the market and confiscating illegal dairy products. 

In a statement published on its website, the JFDA said its teams have been conducting field visits since the beginning of March to dairy factories, shopping centres and supermarkets, including 50 food facilities where the teams took 77 samples for testing.

The JFDA suspended and fined 15 food facilities and closed down three others that use powdered milk to make dairy products, referring them to court for legal action, according to the statement.