Milk-Agro introduced lactose-free yogurts to the market. They produce them with their own production capacities, so they have the entire process under control and can guarantee it. We asked the head of dairy production in Sabinov, Ing. Peter Kočiš, a few questions in this regard.
What does it mean when we say yogurts are lactose-free?
Raw cow's milk normally contains about 4.7 percent lactose. This means that milk products also contain lactose. There are products with reduced lactose content and lactose-free products. For a dairy product to be declared lactose-free, it must contain less than 0.01 grams of lactose per 100 grams of product.
How can we measure that?
We purchased our own laboratory equipment that can measure this. So we can control the entire process one hundred percent. The advantage is also that we check the lactose content continuously and regularly. Moreover, we had the accuracy of our device validated in an accredited laboratory in Germany.
Who is this product intended for?
Primarily for those who have lactose intolerance. People who know they have it are relatively few, but more people have mild intolerance and do not even know about it. From now on, they do not have to give up their favorite yogurts and thus deprive themselves of vitamins and minerals, especially an important natural source of calcium, as well as live yogurt and probiotic cultures. Lactose-free yogurts can of course also be consumed by completely healthy people. Lactose-free yogurts are not deprived of anything; only the milk sugar lactose is broken down by the enzyme lactase into monosaccharides glucose and galactose, which are easier to digest for the consumer, have a slightly sweeter taste, and the energy and nutritional value are exactly the same. So it is a full-value dairy product that can be enjoyed even by those who normally do not consume yogurts due to lactose intolerance.
