Lactose content in lactose-free products

HPLC-MS analysis to determine the amount of residual lactose in milk, dairy products, and other foods from which lactose has been removed. The results can be used to evaluate the validity of lactose-free claims.

There is currently no harmonized EU-wide threshold for lactose content in lactose-free or low-lactose products, apart from infant formula. As a result, national requirements are applied.

In the Nordic countries, lactose content must not exceed 10 mg per 100 g or 100 ml (i.e. 100 ppm) for the product to be considered lactose-free. The limit is based on the report "Nordiske Seminar- og Arbejdsrapporter 1993:557" by the Nordic Council of Ministers.