Swedish group alleges counterfeit milk

STOCKHOLM, Sweden, July 21 (UPI) -- A Swedish consumer association claims many of the country's coffee vending machines engage in false marketing by using an artificial substance instead of milk.

The Stockholm Consumer Cooperative Society claimed Monday that many vending machines bearing a button for "milk" instead dispense a cream replacement that is unrelated to actual milk, The Local reported Monday.

"I was very surprised when I rang Selecta, the market leader, and found out about the sugar solution and hardened fat that I have poured into my coffee four or five times a day at work over the years. It says 'milk' on the button," said a member of the consumer group, Louise Ungerth. "There are many of us that have been fooled."

Ungerth urged consumers who find their milk button dispensing the artificial cream to contact their suppliers.

The National Food Administration said falsely labeling the product "milk" is a clear violation of a European Union directive.

"The marking and presentation of food products must not mislead anyone. The law clearly specifies how the word 'milk' can used. Milk should be milk ... from milk-producing cows," the administration said.