The National Conference on Interstate Milk Shipments has adopted a new clarification for Grade “A” products. Cheese Market News reports the most significant change is with the definition of what may be considered Grade “A” milk products. The new definition allows some non-standard milk products that contain a minimum protein level of 2% and at least 65% milk and milk ingredients on a weight basis. The new standard is designed to help individual states determine what can be handled under general food laws and help the U.S. Food and Drug Administration determine what to allow into the country.

The changes also allow Grade “A” powdered dairy blends with up to 10% non-Grade “A” ingredients like casein and milk protein isolates to be considered Grade “A”. The current limit is up to 5%

The International Dairy Foods Association says the changes will help clarify the rules when formulating new products such as milk beverages, smoothies and cultured dairy desserts.

The group also raised the somatic cell count standard for small ruminants from 1 million to 1.5 million per milliliter. Research has shown sheep and goats have naturally higher somatic cell counts than cows.