Goat milk is rich in a wide variety of nutrients and has prominent nutritional and functional properties. Because of its nutritional similarity to breast milk, goat milk is an emerging alternative milk source for infant formula to bovine milk. Nowadays, there is a worldwide interest in the safety and nutritional value of goat milk products. This article presents a discussion of the nutritional composition, safety and functional characteristics of goat milk, indicating that goat milk has great advantages for use as a milk source for infant formula. Goat milk is rich in a variety of nutrients including protein, fat, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals and contains active substances such as superoxide dismutase and epithelial cell growth factors, protecting against viruses and tuberculosis infection with good safety. Infant formula made from goat milk has a reduced allergenicity and increased digestibility, and can enhance fat absorption rate and lower cholesterol levels.

A method for determining urea in milk and milk powder was developed using high performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection (HPLC-FLD). Samples were extracted with a mixture of water and ethanol, the supernatant was derivatized with a solution of xanthydrol in acidic condition. The chromatographic separation was performed on a reversed-phase C18 column using a mobile phase consisting of acetonitrile and sodium acetate solution. The derivatized products were separated and tested using a fluorescence detector at λex 213 nm and λem 308 nm. The method showed a good linear relationship in the range of 0.1–10.0 μg/mL, with R2 > 0.999. The spiked recoveries of urea in formula milk powder and liquid milk samples were in the range of 104%–106% and 83.4%–101% with RSD 2.1% –5.7% and 3.2%–4.9%, respectively. The limits of detection (LODs) in formula milk powder and liquid milk were 30 and 12 mg/kg, respectively. This method proved rapid, sensitive, reliable and reproducible.

Objective: To investigate the current status and problems of nutritional labeling of baby formula in Yangzhou so as to provide a scientific basis for improving nutritional labeling of baby formula. Methods: According to the Regulations for Food Nutrition Labeling, the National Food Safety Standard: Infant Formula, the National Food Safety Standard: Older Infants and Young Children Formula and the General Standard for the Labeling of Prepackaged Food, a survey was made to investigate the current status of nutritional labeling of baby formula marketed in the city of Yangzhou, Jiangsu province. Results: Of 180 baby formula investigated, 100.0% showed nutritional labeling, 82.8% were labeled with product standard codes, and 100.0% indicated energy and the contents of protein, fat, carbohydrate and sodium. There was no consensus on division of baby formula over age groups. Conclusion: The nutritional labeling of baby formula in Yangzhou is quite good, but some problems still exist.