The UK's Food Standards Agency (FSA) has rejected calls from scientists to declare organic milk as a healthier option than non-organic milk.

The food industry watchdog said that although there are nutritional differences between organic milk and the standard variety, the disparity does not mean that consumption of the former provides any added health benefits.

The FSA said it would not be advising consumers to replace standard milk with an organic variety for health reasons, despite evidence of higher levels of the beneficial omega-3 fatty acids.

The FSA came to the decision following an assessment of the evidence, provided by the University of Glasgow, on the nutritional differences between organic and non-organic milk.

The group concluded that organic milk consumed in volumes consistent with a healthy diet, would not provide sufficient amounts health benefits over and above those associated with conventional milk.

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