Dairy Farmers to Canadian ice cream lovers ...beware of imposters

'Frozen dessert' is not ice cream

MONTREAL, July 22 /CNW/ - Summer is here and Dairy Farmers of Canada (DFC) is once again warning Canadians to beware of imposters masquerading as ice cream. They are urging all ice cream lovers to visit www.nicecream.ca to get the scoop on how to make sure they are buying real ice cream and not 'frozen dessert'.

There was a time when everything in the ice cream freezer was made from milk and was clearly labeled 'ice cream'. Recently, some manufacturers have removed the 'ice cream' label from major brands, replacing it with the term 'frozen dessert'. These products likely contain palm or coconut oils instead of cream. As a result, consumers are often completely unaware that the brands they buy are not ice cream. Instead they are buying a product that contains oils that many people are trying to avoid in their diet. Real ice cream is made from milk including ingredients derived from milk such as cream, skim milk powder and whey powder.

"There is nothing more satisfying on a hot day than delicious, cold, real ice cream made from 100% Canadian milk," says Solange Heiss, assistant director, marketing and nutrition communications at Dairy Farmers of Canada. "That's why Dairy Farmers of Canada is urging Canadians to look for the 100% Canadian Milk symbol on ice cream packaging and make sure it says ice cream not 'frozen dessert'."

DFC launched a new contest to help Canadians recognize when they are purchasing real ice cream and when they are buying 'frozen dessert'. Canadians can enter the contest for a chance to win a $10,000 trip to Jasper with their family at participating grocery stores, dairy bars and ice cream shops or on the internet at www.nicecream.ca. The website also links to the 'Make Better Choices' Facebook page where Canadians can upload their own funny videos and photos on the general topic of 'making better choices'.

Look for the 100% Canadian Milk Symbol

Dairy products bearing the 100% Canadian Milk symbol certify the origin of the milk used - renowned for its high quality, purity and great taste - and buying it supports local dairy producers and the economy. Dairy products made from 100% Canadian milk are rich in essential nutrients and are part of a healthy diet.

About Dairy Farmers of Canada

Dairy Farmers of Canada (DFC) strives to create favourable conditions for the Canadian dairy industry, today and in the future. DFC works to maintain policies that foster the viability of Canadian dairy producers and to promote quality Canadian dairy products made from 100% Canadian milk as part of a healthy balanced diet. DFC is completely funded by dairy producers.

For further information: Will Lamont, Beatrice Bastedo, 416-322-3030, ext. 241, 231, [email protected], [email protected]