Factsheet of the IDF N°49/2026: Understanding lactose: From digestion to health outcomes
Milk, cheese, yoghurt, and other fermented dairy products are nutrient-dense foods that provide a wide range of essential nutrients. As part of this nutrient-rich matrix, dairy products contain lactose, a carbohydrate and the natural, intrinsic and unique sugar in milk. Dairy products contribute significantly to intakes of key nutrients such as calcium, riboflavin, vitamin B12, […]
Bulletin of the IDF N° 094/1977 – Nutritional research carried out under the auspices of IDF
By a Group of Experts This is the final report on research carried out in Europe, by a Group of Nutritionists, with the financial assistance of IDF member countries. The research explored the following areas: digestibility of proteins; dietary fats and proteins as factors in atherogenesis in the rabbit; the relative effects of butter and […]
Bulletin of the IDF N°539/2025: Evaluating the Affordability and Nutritional Value of Dairy in School Feeding Programmes
School feeding programmes are vital for addressing child optimal nutrition, improving school attendance, and supporting vulnerable households. Dairy, a nutrient-dense food, offers key nutrients such as calcium, protein, and vitamin B12, yet its inclusion in school feeding programmes is inconsistent due to cost and logistical challenges. This Bulletin investigates the role of milk and milk products in school feeding […]
IDF Symposium on Opportunities and Insights in the Camelid Dairy Sector – Watch on Demand
Camelids contribute meaningfully to sustainable food systems, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions. Their role supports several Sustainable Development Goals, including food security, poverty alleviation, and climate resilience. As demand increases in both traditional and new markets, camel milk is gaining global attention for its different composition and functional qualities. However, this requires specialized processing […]
Factsheet of the IDF N°43/2025: From protein transition to food systems transition: Dairy’s holistic role in sustainable food systems
The factsheet analyses the narrow focus of the so-called “protein transition,” which emphasizes replacing animal proteins with plant alternatives, often overlooking broader impacts. It showcases the need for a broader “food systems transition” approach that balances health, environmental, cultural, and economic goals. Dairy is showed as a key contributor to sustainable diets due to its […]
Issue 8: IDF Dairy Sustainability Outlook – Dairy Processing
The IDF Dairy Sustainability Outlook highlights the global dairy sector’s initiatives contributing to the UN Sustainable Development Goals. This special issue focuses specifically on dairy processing, showcasing a diverse collection of case studies. These examples illustrate how the dairy sector worldwide is driving innovation and implementing sustainable practices to build resilient systems. Cite this content […]
ISO 29981 | IDF 220: 2024 – Milk products — Enumeration of bifidobacteria — Colony-count technique
This document specifies a method for the selective enumeration of bifidobacteria in milk products by using a colony-count technique at 37 °C under anaerobic conditions.The method is applicable to milk products, such as fermented (e.g. yoghurts) and non-fermented milks (e.g. pasteurized milks, skim milks, whey protein concentrates), milk powders and formulae (e.g. infant formulae, follow-up […]
Bulletin of the IDF N°531/2024 – The state of milk and milk products in school programmes around the world – Contributing to global child nutrition and development
Milk and milk products have been a staple in schools for many years, often featured as part of dedicated school milk programmes or integrated into broader school feeding initiatives. These programmes are recognized as crucial social protection mechanisms, offering vital nutrition and education to children while simultaneously supporting economic and social development for the broader […]
Bulletin of the IDF N°341/1999 – “Milk Support Systems & WTO II”
Papers presented at the Commission C Meeting Conference, “Milk Support Systems & WTO II” at the IDF Annual Sessions, Athens, Greece (14-18 September 1999)
Factsheet of the IDF N° 40/2024: Developing Evidence-Based, Food-Based Dietary Guidelines: Critical Contributions of Dairy
The purpose of this factsheet is to provide context and rationale for addressing the evolving recommendations surrounding dairy in global Food-Based Dietary Guidelines (FBDG). It highlights the importance of including nutrient-dense foods, specifically dairy foods, in FBDGs based on credible scientific evidence. Cite this content as: International Dairy Federation. (2024). Developing Evidence-Based, Food-Based Dietary Guidelines: […]
