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Review
. 2020 Feb 13;4(2):e2019GH000213.
doi: 10.1029/2019GH000213. eCollection 2020 Feb.

A Review of Potential Public Health Impacts Associated With the Global Dairy Sector

Leah Grout  1 , Michael G Baker  1 , Nigel French  2 , Simon Hales  1
Affiliations
Review

A Review of Potential Public Health Impacts Associated With the Global Dairy Sector

Leah Grout et al. Geohealth. .

Abstract

Strong demand for dairy products has led to a global increase in dairy production. In many parts of the world, dairy systems are undergoing rapid intensification. While increased production may contribute to food security, higher dairy stocking rates in some regions have resulted in increased pressure on natural resources with the potential to affect public health and wellbeing. The aim of this review was to identify and describe the potential health harms and benefits associated with dairy production and consumption. Electronic databases Medline, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, and Google Scholar were searched for published literature that investigated human health impacts of dairy production and consumption. Occupational hazards, environmental health impacts, ecosystem health impacts, foodborne hazards, and diet-related chronic diseases were identified as potential public health hazards. Some impacts, notably climate change, extend beyond directly exposed populations. Dairy production and consumption are also associated with important health benefits through the provision of nutrients and economic opportunities. As the global dairy sector increases production, exposure to a range of hazards must be weighed with these benefits. The review of impacts presented here can provide an input into decision making about optimal levels of dairy production and consumption, local land use, and identification and management of specific hazards from this sector. Future research should consider multiple exposure routes, socioeconomic implications, and environmental factors, particularly in regions heavily dependent on dairy farming.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflicts of interest relevant to this study.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Potential health hazards and benefits associated with dairy farming.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Global anthropogenic GHG emissions by economic sectors (IPCC, 2014, pg. 47).
Figure 3
Figure 3
Relative risk from microbiological hazards in dairy products (FSANZ, 2006).
Figure 4
Figure 4
Positive and negative impacts of livestock on livelihoods. Solid arrows indicate a direct link; dashed arrows indicate an indirect link. Adapted from Perry and Grace (2009).
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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