An abnormal immune reaction to the protein in milk results in milk allergies. Proteins in milk include casein and whey, which should not be confused with the primary sugar in milk, lactose. Those with allergies should avoid all food and other products that contain milk and milk derivatives. This would include any product whose ingredient list contains milk or milk products, or warns it "may contain" or "may contain traces of" milk or milk products. An easy method to determine if a particular food contains milk is to check the ingredient list on the food label.
Step 1
Locate the ingredient list. It can usually be found next to or underneath the Nutrition Facts table. Smaller packaged items may not carry an ingredient list. For these foods, there is usually manufacturer data on the label so that a consumer can contact the company to obtain more information.
Step 2
Read through the ingredient list and look for "milk," "may contain milk," "may contain traces of milk" or any of the aforementioned phrases containing another name for milk.
Step 3
Other names for milk include ammonium/calcium/magnesium/potassium/sodium caseinate, casein/caseinate/rennet casein, curds, delactosed/demineralized whey, dry milk/milk/sour cream/sour milk solids, hydrolyzed casein, hydrolyzed milk protein, lactalbumin/lactalbumin phosphate, actate/lactose, lactoferrin, lactoglobulin, milk derivative/fat/protein, modified milk ingredients, whey, whey protein concentrate, or Opta or Simplesse, which are artificial fats.
Step 4
Be aware that calcium or sodium lactate, calcium or sodium stearoyl lactylate, cocoa butter, cream of tartar and Oleoresin are ingredients that currently, according to Health Canada, do not contain milk protein.
Tips and Warnings
- According to Health Canada, other possible sources of milk may include the following: artificial butter, butter fat or flavor or oil, ghee, margarine, baked goods and baking mixes, brown sugar, high-protein flour, buttermilk, cream, dips, salad dressings, sour cream, spreads, caramel coloring or flavoring, casein in wax, casseroles, frozen prepared foods, cereals, cookies, crackers, cheese, cheese curds, cottage or soy cheese, chocolate, desserts, egg or fat substitutes, flavored coffee, coffee whitener, non-dairy creamer, glazes, nougat, gravy, sauces, kefir, kumiss, malt drink mixes, meats, potatoes, seasonings, snack foods, soups, soup mixes, tofu, wax-coated fruits and vegetables.
- Several nonfood sources may contain milk, including cosmetics, medications or pet food. Often, these items will come with ingredient lists.
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