We at First Choice believe health comes first and just like our products we would like our website to be a valuable addition to a healthy body.
As suppliers of the freshest healthiest dairy products, diseases that are caused by the lack thereof are of mayor importance to us. Osteoporosis is one of these diseases and is caused by a lack of calcium in an individual’s diet. We were so concerned about this that we developed a whole website to educate South Africans about the disease.
It is a common perception that Pasteurised Milk or so called “fresh milk” is always safe. We at First Choice take clean to the next level by adding our G-free stamp of approval on our milk. This means our milk goes through various specialised processes to ensure you that it is germ-free. We are so proud of this fact that we put all our cards at the table to ensure you can make more informed choices when buying dairy for your family.
Gfree
What is G-Free?
In a sea of diary promises, the consumer needs a bold commitment, not empty assurances. G-Free is our pledge to deliver Germ Free Milk to all consumers and is a reflection of our integrity and commitment to safe milk.
G-Free milk is commercially sterile, therefore free of pathogens, bacteria and micro-organisms that can proliferate during storage. With G-Free you can be sure that your milk is safe for the whole family, including toddlers.
Why is G-Free better?
Safety, quality & value for money are the key factors of G-Free milk. Superior, multi-layer foil packaging ensures a longer lasting, better tasting, enjoyable treat for the whole family. G-Free is a guarantee of uncompromising quality.
After a 2001 Carte Blanche programme, which revealed evidence of unhygienic milk processing, the dairy industry decided to analyse the situation. An intense national sampling exercise was launched and lasted almost a year. Fresh milk supplied to the retail trade by hundreds of milk processors was sampled and analysed.
The results were shocking: A very high percentage of the "fresh" milk contained Coli forms, E.Coli, antibiotics and contamination by high levels of bacteria. Evidence of insufficient pasteurisation was found on several occasions.
Woodlands Dairy appointed a globally accredited, independent body to sample pasteurised and Woodlands Dairy UHT milk to check for germs. On a national basis, the results showed that First Choice® is Free of bacteria and harmful substances. However, the study confirmed the previous results, i.e. pasteurised milk is not always safe. Regarding antibiotics in milk, Woodlands Dairy can guarantee that all their First Choice® milk is free of antibiotics. All milk is tested every time it is collected from the farm.
G-Free and First Choice
First Choice UHT milk is the result of the ultra pasteurisation process.
Ultra pasteurisation has been designed to extend the shelf life of fresh milk without influencing its nutritional value. UHT milk does not use additives or preservatives to extend the milk's shelf life.
During ultra pasteurisation, the milk is heated to 140°C for 4 seconds only, then quickly cooled to room temperature (20°C). The high temperature kills all the bacteria in the milk and gives the milk its characteristic creamy taste. The milk is then packaged in sterile Tetra Pak packaging, protecting it from air and light. First Choice UHT milk can be stored without refrigeration for more than 8 months, provided that it is not opened. Once the products has been opened, it must be refrigerated and used within 4 days.
Fight Osteo
What is Osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis is a disease that causes bones to weaken as they lose vital minerals such as calcium. In time, as the affected bone marrow density is reduces, bones become fragile and break easily. While there are often no discernible symptoms until after serious, and often irreparable damage has occurred, Osteoporosis can now be diagnosed before any symptoms develop. With treatment it is possible to reverse the process and increase a patient's bone mineral density, thereby reducing the likelihood of serious injury.
Sources of Calcium
The highest concentration of calcium is found in dairy products, containing substantially more than any other non-dairy foods. The following products are also sources of calcium, and a worthwhile supplement to your diary diet:
- Almonds
- Baked Beans
- Spinach
- Rhubarb
- Salmon
- Sardines
- Dried Figs
- Selected Cereals
- Selected dairy products like First Choice's Yes Hi-Calcium™ milk.
Don't risk calcium deficiencies later in life. Remember that your bones typically get stronger until the age of about 30, and then slowly weaken. Give yourself the best chance of remaining strong and avoiding Osteoporosis by consuming enough dairy and other calcium rich products.
Bone Strength
Bone tissue is in a constant state of change. In healthy individuals, bone tissue typically gets stronger until about age 30. Thereafter it slowly starts to degenerate.
The loss of bone strength that comes with age is often aided by other factors and results in Osteoporosis. In addition to this, from the ages of about 9 - 18, recommended calcium intake is at its highest. If there is insufficient calcium in one's diet during this formative stage, the risk of Osteoporosis increases considerably.
There are a number of factors that affect the risk of Osteoporosis. Some of these you have power to influence, others are unavoidable by virtue of genetics. So while you have no power to change your age, gender, race or the size of your body frame; there are steps that you can put in place to significantly reduce your risk. These include:
- Get your daily recommended amounts of Calcium and Vitamin D. Vitamin D is a vital nutrient that helps your body absorb Calcium.
- Do regular weight-bearing exercises.
- Avoid smoking and drinking excessive alcohol.
Factors that Increase Risk
- Insufficient Calcium diet
- Genetic history of Osteoporosis
- Lack of exercise
- Small body frames
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- Smoking
- Female Gender
- Caucasian or Asian race
