What Is Fish Milk Made From? It Turns Out That It's Not From Milk Boxing On Fish

What fish milk is made of (Doc. KemenKopUKM)

YOGYAKARTA - Fish milk is said to be an alternative to cow's milk in the Free Nutrition Food (MBG) program. This news then made many people talk about the content and advantages of fish milk. So what is fish milk made of?

The MGB program is one of the campaign promises of the President and Vice President-elect Prabowo Subianto-Gibran Rakabuming. The discourse on using fish milk is lifted because the domestic demand for cow milk is almost 80% dependent on imports.

If fish milk can be mass produced in Indonesia, this product is expected to be a substitute for cow's milk for the MBG program. So what is fish milk and what are the ingredients for making it?

Fish milk does not actually include milk in the conventional sense. Fish milk products do not come from dairy products from fish such as the production process in dairy cows. Fish milk is made from the extraction of protein and other nutrients found in fish meat.

The content is then processed into a concentrate. Then the concentrate is used for mixtures of drinks that have a taste and texture made as similar as possible to cow's milk products.

Referring to the official website of the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries (KKP), fish milk is the result of innovation based on fish ingredients that are processed using advanced technology to produce Fish Protein Hydrolysate (HPI).

This product combines the benefits of a good fish protein for health with the diversification of processed products. The production process is able to increase added value and competitiveness of downstream products in the fisheries sector.

Fish milk as an alternative to cow's milk was first developed in Indramayu Regency, West Java. This coastal area of North Java is known as one of the largest fisheries centers in Indonesia.

The excess fish milk is located in the high content of EPA, DHA, Omega 3, and is free from allergens, in addition, fish milk is also easily digested by the body because it is claimed to have a protein absorption rate of up to 96 percent. This product uses local fish as raw material.

Quoting from Antara, a dietient from the National Central General Hospital, dr. Cipto Mangunkusumo Jakarta, Fitri Hudayani, stated that milk made from fish extract can be an alternative source of animal protein.

"The advantage of fish compared to other animal sources is that fish have a good type of fat and also a good source of omega 3 for health, both for brain growth and development," said Fitri.

However, Fitri reminded that the producer of fish milk to replace cow's milk is still limited. Given that there are not many producers, the availability of products must be considered by those who want to consume it regularly.

"Because this product is still not widely known and consumed by many people, it is also necessary to consider whether it is easy to obtain if it will be included in the menu list for a day, so that consistency in its existence can be maintained in the menu," said Fitri.

Fitri also emphasized that fish milk can also trigger allergies in some individuals, such as cow's milk. Therefore, it is important to check the history of allergies before consuming fish milk.

In addition, he added that the acceptance of the taste and aroma of fish milk needs to be considered. Not everyone may like it. Currently, there are various forms of fish extract that can be used as protein supplements for those who need it.

Such is the review of what fish milk is made of and its advantages. Not made of milk juice from fish, this milk is made from the extraction of protein and other nutrients in fish meat. Also read Minister Teten Masduki, the potential for fish milk to support the Free Nutritious Eating program.

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