The unregulated plant‐based ‘milk’ industry: A threat to nutrition, health and safety?

The international market for plant‐based ‘milk‐alternatives’ (PBMA) is growing tremendously. There are concerns pertaining to their suitability for vulnerable people as they differ from natural milk in nutritional composition, flavour and digestibility. Currently, there exists no clear‐cut definition/identity/standards in almost all countries (except Canada) for them as well as for lab‐grown milk. The present paper focuses on novel areas of issues and challenges associated with their suitability to feed infants. It also raises concerns and priority areas for the regulators to develop policies regarding establishing standards and regulations for varied parameters to assure safety, health and wellness of consumers.