Camel milk may have zero health benefits: Australian consumer watchdog

Camel milk, now hugely popular among Australians and claimed to help with autism, diabetes and cancer, could be nothing but a dodgy product with untrue health claims, An Australian consumer watchdog has said.

Choice, a not-for-profit organization, has singled out Camel Milk Victoria as it found its health claims to be too good to be true, a spokesperson told Xinhua Thursday.

It has referred the company to the Australian Competitor and Consumer Organization and the Victorian food enforcement bodies for further investigation.

"This all-natural panacea ... is "known to help improve the immune system by fighting off bacteria and infections and aid those who have autism, diabetes, tuberculosis, cancer, stomach ulcers and more," Choice said in a statement.

"Problem is, we checked these impressive claims with the food regulator, and none of them are on the list of permissible food health claims."

He expects the investigation to be wrapped up within weeks.

Camel Milk Victoria did not respond to Xinhua's requests for comment.

At present, Camel Milk Victoria is sold to consumers at 21 Australian dollars (15.90 U.S. dollars) per liter.

The milk product was among the nine worst performing products that was recognized by Choice's Shonky (an Australian slang which means unreliable) awards held on Wednesday.(APD)