Fact or Fiction - Scientists develop genetically modified cows that produce 'human' breast milk - 3rd Apr 2011

Scientists in China have created genetically modified cows that produce 'human' milk, it is reported today.

They have introduced human genes into dairy cows to produce milk similar to human breast milk, according to a report in The Sunday Telegraph.

The researchers believe that milk from these herds of 300 cows can provide an alternative to human breast milk and formula milk for babies, which is often criticised as being an inferior substitute.

British scientists said the development had the potential to be of huge benefit, but the work is likely to inflame opposition to genetically modified foods, said the newspaper.

Researcher Professor Ning Li, director of the State Key Laboratories for AgroBiotechnology at the China Agricultural University, said the milk would be as safe as milk from ordinary dairy cows.

He added: 'The milk tastes stronger than normal milk. Within ten years, people will be able to pick up these products at the supermarket.'

The rules on research into genetically modified food are more relaxed in China than in Europe, the newspaper reported. Read More