Researchers looking at the health effects of the price of milk are suggesting the Government look at introducing a smart card to make milk cheaper for low income families.
A study by public health researchers at the University of Otago has found that the increasing price of milk since policy changes in the 1960s has been detrimental to children's health.
With soft drinks cheaper than milk, the research found 17% children do not get milk at home at all, contributing to high rates of obesity and tooth decay.
The researchers suggest the Government could consider price controls on milk, a smart card that could only be used to purchase milk, or adding milk to the fruit in schools programmes.
