Goats’ milk infant and follow-on formula is permitted for sale in the UK. However, the Food Standards Agency (FSA) warns that it is unlikely to be suitable for infants with a cows’ milk protein allergy. The proteins in cows’ and goats’ milk are so similar that a baby allergic to one would almost certainly be allergic to the other.
An FSA statement said: “Many parents may be keen to feed their babies formula based on goats’ milk as an alternative if their child is allergic to cow’s milk. However, there is a high risk of cross-reactivity between cows’ and goats’ milk proteins. As a result, it’s important that parents understand that goats’ milk formula is not suitable for infants with a cows’ milk protein allergy, unless directed by a healthcare professional.”
The FSA made the above statement in 2015 and confirmed in December 2018 that the advice is still current.
Expert reviewer
This article has been reviewed and approved by Sue Clarke, nurse adviser to the Anaphylaxis Campaign.
All the information we produce is evidence based or follows expert opinion and is checked by our Clinical and research reviewers. If you wish to know the sources we used in producing any of our information products, please let us know, and we will gladly supply details.
Publication date: December 2018
Review date: December 2021