Codex Approves UAE Lead on Pasteurised Camel Milk Standard

The Codex Alimentarius Commission has approved a United Arab Emirates proposal to develop the world’s first international standard for pasteurised camel milk, positioning the UAE to lead work on specifications intended to protect quality and enable fair trade at the Commission’s 48th session in Rome. The decision followed broad support from member states, international organisations and the International Union of Food Science and Technology. The absence of an international specification has constrained commercial expansion and allowed fraudulent practices, including the blending of camel milk powder with cow’s milk. The planned standard aims to safeguard product authenticity and quality, protect consumers and promote fair trade in a sector gaining traction worldwide. Market estimates place the global camel milk industry at around USD 1.37 billion in 2024, with projections of USD 1.93 billion by 2033, reflecting annual growth of nearly 4%. Demand is expected to increase in Europe and Asia, while the Middle East and North Africa currently account for about 40% of global production. The UAE produces more than 7,000 tonnes of pasteurised camel milk annually, serving domestic demand and selected export markets including the European Union, China and the United States. The adoption of a global standard is set to accelerate access to new markets and support production growth.