638 people signed the petition since June 09, 2010

Fresh/ UHT Milk Confusion in Barbados

The purpose of this petition is to highlight public concern over the misleading labeling of the new ultra-pasteurised milk introduced by Pine Hill Dairy and calls for the replacement of the term 'fresh' with 'UHT' or 'long life' which more accurately describes the product.  This product should be removed from the refrigerated section in the supermarkets/stores and placed on the shelves with the other UHT milk. 

Pasteurisation describes the heat process used to treat milk to eliminate harmful bacteria found in raw milk.  "Pasteurised" means that the milk has been heated to a minimum of 161°F for a minimum of 15 seconds or 145°F for 30 minutes (for the equivalent kill of any bacteria), and packaged under clean and sanitised conditions.  Most pasteurised milk will remain fresh for 2-5 days after its sell-by date if refrigerated properly.  "Ultra-Pasteurised" means that the milk is heated to a minimum of 280°F for a minimum of 2 seconds, it is also packaged under near sterile conditions.  The average shelf-life of ultra-pasteurised milk products is 30 to 90 days but only until it is opened.  Ultra-pasteurised milk is Ultra Heat Treated (UHT) milk and is referred to as 'long life milk'.  Pasteurised milk is commonly referred to as 'fresh milk'. 

Pine Hill Dairy recently introduced ultra-pasteurised milk to the market and has withdrawn from the production of pasteurised milk.  The new milk is labeled 'Fresh Ultra Pasteurised' milk and stored in the refrigerator of most supermarkets for our 'ease and convenience' (as stated by Pine Hill's literature).  A closer look at the carton and people will see that the milk has a 90 day shelf life and need not be refrigerated until it is opened (which is the case with all UHT/long life milk). 

This new UHT product was advertised on television and a leaflet was published.  In each promotion the main selling point was the packaging which presents the Pine Hill milk as 'now in a new ultra modern package'.  In neither medium of communication were the terms 'UHT' or 'long life' used to describe the product.  This content, combined with the product continuing to be placed in the chilled section, has led many consumers to believe that they are purchasing the same (pasteurised) milk in a new package. 

It is unfortunate that yet again the Bajan public is reduced to little or no choice as a consumer. Consumers in Barbados have trusted and relied on Pine Hill Dairy to bring them pasteurised fresh refrigerated milk for some 40 years.  Consumers (including vistors to the island) now have no other means of obtaining fresh milk.  For many of these consumers UHT processed milk is altogether a different drink, an inferior product.  It would not be, for example, a number one choice for weaning babies from breast to fresh milk.  Inaccurately labeling the UHT milk as 'fresh' only adds insult to injury by depriving consumers of the means to make an informed choice as to whether they choose to purchase a different brand of UHT milk located on the shelves or, in fact, buy a non dairy product. 

As discerning consumers we resent the launch of this new Pine Hill UHT product on to an unsuspecting public.  A basic freedom of choice between one type of milk and another has been denied.  The current labeling and placement is confusing at best and appears to be an attempt to dupe the public into thinking they are consuming pasteurised milk at worst. 

We, the undersigned, object to the misleading labeling and product placement of the new Pine Hill Dairy Ultra Pasteurised milk.  We request that this milk is clearly and accurately labeled as 'UHT' or 'long life' milk rather than 'fresh' and that it is removed from the refrigerator at supermarkets/stores and placed on the shelf with all other UHT milk products. 

View Signatures without signing

Sign Petition

To sign this petition, enter your name and e-mail address below.

We will not sell or give away your email address to any third party!


Click here to create your FREE online petition
The views expressed on ePetitions.net are solely those of the authors of the petitions and do not reflect the views of ePetitions.net
Copyright 2007, ePetitons.net All rights reserved.