Milk Testing & Dairy Products Testing

Introduction

In the realm of food safety and quality, milk and dairy products stand as essential components of our daily consumption. Ensuring their safety, nutritional value, and adherence to regulatory standards is paramount. Milk testing and comprehensive analysis of dairy products play a pivotal role in guaranteeing consumer health and satisfaction while meeting stringent industry regulations.

Import and export details of the products undergoing these services (2022-2023/ 2022 data)

According to the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) of India, the following are the import and export details of milk and dairy products undergoing testing services in 2022-2023 (2022 data):

Imports

• Total import value: US$ 1.37 billion
• Major import items: Skimmed milk powder, butter, cheese, whole milk powder, and whey powder
• Major import countries: New Zealand, United States, European Union, Australia, and Argentina

Exports

• Total export value: US$ 2.27 billion
• Major export items: Butter, skimmed milk powder, whole milk powder, ghee, and buttermilk
• Major export countries: Bangladesh, United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, United States, and Bhutan

Standards and regulations

Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI)

The Food Safety and Standards (Food Products Standards and Food Additives) Regulations, 2011, which specify the standards for milk and dairy products, including the minimum fat and protein content, as well as the maximum levels of certain contaminants, such as pesticides and antibiotics.

The Food Safety and Standards (Packaging and Labeling) Regulations, 2011, which specify the requirements for packaging and labeling milk and dairy products.

European Union (EU)

The EU has a number of regulations in place to ensure the safety and quality of milk and dairy products. These regulations include:

Regulation (EC) No 852/2004 on the hygiene of foodstuffs, which sets out general hygiene requirements for all foods, including milk and dairy products.

Regulation (EC) No 853/2004 on specific hygiene rules for food of animal origin, which sets out specific hygiene rules for milk and dairy products, including the requirements for production, processing, and distribution.

Regulation (EC) No 178/2002 laying down the general principles and requirements of food law, establishing the European Food Safety Authority and laying down procedures in matters relating to food safety, which sets out the general principles of food law in the EU, including the principle that food must be safe for human consumption.

United States (US)

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is responsible for regulating the safety and quality of milk and dairy products in the US. The FDA has a number of regulations in place, including:

The Pasteurized Milk Ordinance (PMO), which sets out the standards for the production and processing of pasteurized milk.

The Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FD&C Act), which prohibits the adulteration or misbranding of food, including milk and dairy products.

The Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) for Food: 21 CFR Part 110, which sets out the requirements for manufacturing food in a sanitary manner.

Mandatory and optional analyses to be performed

Mandatory analyses

Fat content: This analysis measures the amount of fat in a milk or dairy product. Fat is an important nutrient that provides energy and essential fatty acids. However, too much fat can increase the risk of heart disease and other chronic diseases.

Protein content: This analysis measures the amount of protein in a milk or dairy product. Protein is an essential nutrient that is used to build and repair tissues. It is also important for immune function and satiety.

Total solids content: This analysis measures the amount of non-water solids in a milk or dairy product. Total solids content is important for determining the consistency and shelf life of the product. It is also a measure of the nutritional value of the product, as it includes all of the non-water nutrients, such as protein, fat, carbohydrates, minerals, and vitamins.

Somatic cell count: This analysis measures the number of somatic cells in a milk sample. Somatic cells are white blood cells that enter milk when the cow is experiencing inflammation or infection. A high somatic cell count can indicate that the cow is sick, and it can also affect the quality of the milk.

Bacterial count: This analysis measures the number of bacteria in a milk or dairy product. A high bacterial count can indicate that the product is contaminated and that it is not safe to consume.

Antibiotic residues: This analysis tests for the presence of antibiotic residues in a milk or dairy product. Antibiotic residues can occur in milk if a cow has been treated with antibiotics. The presence of antibiotic residues in milk can be a health hazard for consumers.

Pesticide residues: This analysis tests for the presence of pesticide residues in a milk or dairy product. Pesticide residues can occur in milk if a cow has been exposed to pesticides. The presence of pesticide residues in milk can be a health hazard for consumers.

Heavy metals: This analysis tests for the presence of heavy metals, such as lead, mercury, and cadmium, in a milk or dairy product. Heavy metals can accumulate in milk if the cow is exposed to them in the environment or through its diet. The presence of heavy metals in milk can be a health hazard for consumers.

Mycotoxins: This analysis tests for the presence of mycotoxins in a milk or dairy product. Mycotoxins are toxins produced by fungi. They can contaminate milk if the cow eats contaminated feed. The presence of mycotoxins in milk can be a health hazard for consumers.

Melamine: This analysis tests for the presence of melamine in a milk or dairy product. Melamine is a chemical that is used in plastics and other industrial applications. It can contaminate milk if it is added to milk powder or other dairy products to increase the protein content. The presence of melamine in milk can be a health hazard for consumers.

Milk urea nitrogen (MUN): This analysis measures the level of urea nitrogen in milk. Urea nitrogen is a waste product that is produced by the liver and excreted in the urine. A high MUN level in milk can indicate that the cow is under stress or that it is not receiving enough protein in its diet.

Free fatty acids (FFA): This analysis measures the level of free fatty acids in a milk or dairy product. Free fatty acids are formed when fat breaks down. A high FFA level in milk can indicate that the product is of poor quality or that it has been stored for too long.

Optional analyses

Lactose content: This analysis measures the amount of lactose in a milk or dairy product. Lactose is a sugar that is found in milk. People with lactose intolerance have difficulty digesting lactose, which can lead to symptoms such as gas, bloating, and diarrhea.

pH: This analysis measures the acidity of a milk or dairy product. The pH of a product can affect its flavor, texture, and shelf life.

Titratable acidity: This analysis measures the total acidity of a milk or dairy product. Titratable acidity is important for determining the quality and shelf life of the product.

Casein content: This analysis measures the amount of casein in a milk or dairy product. Casein is a type of protein that is found in milk. It is important for its nutritional value and its ability to form curds, which is necessary for making cheese and yogurt.

Whey protein content: This analysis measures the amount of whey protein in a milk or dairy product. Whey protein is a type of protein that is found in milk. It is important for its nutritional value and its ability to be absorbed quickly by the body.

Fat composition: This analysis measures the composition of the fat in a milk or dairy product. The fat composition can affect the flavor, texture, and shelf life of the product. It can also provide information about the nutritional value of the product.

Eurofins role in testing milk Testing & dairy Products

Quality and Safety Testing: Eurofins offers extensive and precise analyses to determine the quality and safety of milk and dairy products. This includes mandatory tests for fat content, protein content, somatic cell count, bacterial count, and optional tests such as lactose content and pH.

Regulatory Compliance: Eurofins ensures that milk and dairy products comply with national and international regulatory standards. This involves testing for antibiotic residues, pesticide residues, heavy metals, mycotoxins, and other potential contaminants, in alignment with regulatory requirements.

Specialized Testing Programs: Eurofins tailors its testing programs to meet specific needs of dairy product manufacturers, providing customized solutions to suit their quality control and assurance requirements.

Comprehensive Analytical Techniques: Utilizing state-of-the-art analytical methodologies, Eurofins conducts sophisticated analyses for milk and dairy products. Advanced technologies like chromatography, mass spectrometry, and microbiology testing are employed for accurate and reliable results.

Consultation and Expertise: Eurofins offers expert consultation on the interpretation of results and helps dairy businesses understand the implications of the analysis, assisting them in making informed decisions regarding their products.

Global Reach: With a widespread presence across multiple countries, Eurofins offers testing services for milk and dairy products on an international scale, supporting businesses across different regions.

Eurofins’ role in milk and dairy product analysis is pivotal, ensuring that these products meet high-quality standards, comply with regulations, and are safe for consumption. Through their extensive testing and consultancy services, Eurofins contributes significantly to the overall quality control and assurance in the dairy industry, fostering consumer confidence and safety in dairy products.