Taiwan to end free milk program despite nutritional concerns

TAIPEI (TVBS News) — The Dairy Association of Taiwan (DAT, 中華民國乳業協會) expressed deep regret on Thursday (Dec. 19) over the challenges faced in implementing the free fresh milk program for schoolchildren. Premier Cho Jung-tai (卓榮泰) announced that the initiative will be discontinued next semester, citing a mix of diverse and conflicting opinions from various sectors.

A recent survey by the Health Promotion Administration (國民健康署) revealed that children aged 7 to 12 in Taiwan are not getting enough dairy, with calcium intake falling below recommended levels. This underscores the urgency of addressing nutritional deficiencies in the country's youth.

DAT Director Hsu Chi-tai (徐濟泰) highlighted the conspicuous absence of dairy products in school lunches and urged the Ministry of Education (教育部) to prioritize milk as a staple in nutritional offerings. He pointed out that the current annual milk consumption per person stands at only 30 kilograms, a stark contrast to the Ministry of Health and Welfare's (衛生福利部) recommended 180 kilograms.

In addition to advocating for improved dietary practices, Hsu noted the potential benefits of industry enhancement policies, such as increased farm automation that could reduce labor costs and improve production efficiency. He mentioned that strategies like culling low-yield cows might help mitigate the looming impact of imported milk.

However, with only days remaining until the 2025 zero-tariff policy on imported milk takes effect, Hsu cautioned that the government needs to accelerate its preparations, as many crucial initiatives were only launched in September.