The International Dairy Federation (IDF) has welcomed the recommendations of the report by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) on dietary protein quality evaluation in human nutrition. The report supports the implementation of a new method of protein quality measurement, Digestible Indispensable Amino Acid Score (DIAAS). While further research is necessary to validate the method, this provides a clearer picture of how each dietary protein source can meet the nutritional requirements for protein and amino acids.

Protein plays an important role in human health and well-being. Proteins are sources of essential amino acids, which the human body cannot produce itself. However, not all proteins provide the right amounts of these essential amino acids. “With DIAAS, high quality proteins, such as the proteins from milk, whey and other dairy products, may score 30% higher than when using the older method for assessing quality. It clearly demonstrates the superiority of dairy proteins compared to plant proteins." “It will provide decision makers and consumers with accurate information when assessing which foods should be part of a sustainable diet for our growing global population.”