According to The Emirates Industry for Camel Milk & Products (EICMP), producer of 'Camelicious', which is based on camel milk, the EU has given approval that the UAE and Dubai can export dairy products to the European Union. The decision follows five years of negotiations.
The company said that the EU had approved its camel milk safety plan and confirmed that it complied with the EU’s food safety and health regulations.
Camelicious is sold in 260ml, 500ml and 1 litre bottles at supermarkets in the region.
According to EICMP, camel milk is low in fat – 1.8-2.0% compared with 4.0-4.5% in cow milk. It is also said to be 5x higher in natural vitamin C than cow’s milk, and a milk alternative for those with lactose intolerance. The company makes beauty and well being claims for camel milk as well as its purported health benefits.
The Central Veterinary Research Laboratory in Dubai began research into camels and camel milk over 20 years ago with the specific aim of obtaining scientific proof of the health benefits of the traditional Bedouin staple diet of camel milk and dates.
Camel milk is believed to modulate the immune system, with studies in Israel researching its ability to ameliorate allergies in children. It is used as a medicinal product in India, and the Bedouins of the Middle East believe it to have curative powers.
EICMP’s farms are capable of producing close to 5,000 litres of camel milk per day.
