The Superintendency of Industry and Commerce (SIC) ratified sanctions against Gloria, Lactalis, Hacienda San Mateo, and Sabanalac for adding unauthorized lactoserum to products sold as whole milk. The companies deny the allegations and plan to appeal judicially. The decision relies on 2020 analyses detecting elevated caseinomacropéptide (CMP) levels.
The Superintendency of Industry and Commerce (SIC) confirmed the initial sanctions against four dairy companies for marketing milk adulterated with lactoserum, specifically caseinomacropéptide (CMP), in products labeled as whole milk. This ratification followed the companies' failure to refute the technical evidence in the files, according to the agency.
The evidence, provided by Invima, showed CMP concentrations incompatible with the natural composition of whole milk, not attributable to biological, environmental, or handling phenomena. The investigation included samples from brands like Medalla de Oro, Máxima, Algarra, De la Cuesta, Alkosto Hiperahorro, Parmalat, Latti, and Pomar, marketed by the sanctioned firms. It also identified unjustified lactoserum inventories and input costs inconsistent with non-CMP-added milk.
The SIC noted that Gloria, Lactalis, and Hacienda San Mateo gained a competitive advantage through cost reductions from CMP addition, while no such advantage was evident for Sabanalac. The sanctions stemmed from 2020 findings, when no internal regulations set CMP limits.
Sabanalac, notified on December 5, 2025, will comply but file a nullity action in the contentious-administrative jurisdiction. Its general manager, Nelson Molano, stated: "SABANALAC S.A.S. has not engaged in adulteration or fraudulent practices." The company highlighted that the SIC acknowledged no economic advantage and that Invima indicated CMP detection is not conclusive proof of lactoserum addition.
Lactalis, led by CEO Juan Camilo Velásquez, rejected the sanction for lacking legal and technical basis, relying on vague indications. "Lactalis will continue committed to the development of the dairy industry," Velásquez said, announcing legal actions for nullity and damage compensation. The firm emphasized providing all technical evidence from the process's start.