FSANZ Advises Caution on Cereal Based Beverages

03/07/06 Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) today issued advice that cereal based beverages, such as those made from rice and oats, are not suitable as a complete milk replacement for children under five years.

FSANZ’s Chief Medical Advisor, Dr Bob Boyd, said that cereal based beverages, which are mainly used as a milk or soy beverage substitute, contain only 10% of the protein found in milk.

‘We have recently allowed manufacturers to add selected vitamins and minerals, including calcium, riboflavin and vitamin D, to these products so they can better reflect the nutritional content of milk but not all manufacturers may choose to add these.

‘Consumers, caregivers and health professionals need to be aware that cereal-based beverages have a lower protein content than milk. This is particularly important if children are consuming cereal-based beverages, as children require adequate protein for normal growth and development. 

‘Milk is an important source of protein for most children, particularly those under the age of 5 years. Therefore, if a child needs to consume cereal-based beverages instead of dairy or soy beverages, adequate protein from other food sources will be needed to replace the protein normally provided by milk.

‘All cereal-based beverages with a low protein content must carry an advisory statement on the label that the product is not suitable as a complete milk replacement for children under the age of five years.

‘Consumers and caregivers should seek advice from a doctor or dietitian on the correct use of cereal-based beverages, especially if the beverages are to be consumed by children. Young children with allergy/intolerance to dairy and/or soy foods may have access to a hypoallergenic formula, which is suitable as a complete milk replacement,’ Dr Boyd concluded.