Evaluation of physicochemical quality of pasteurized milk

Abstract

In this study, we evaluated the physicochemical quality, the enzyme activity and the possible occurrence of fraud in 30 samples of pasteurized milk collected from municipalities in the region of Vale do Jaguaribe, Ceará. The following parameters were analyzed: relative density at 15 °C, fat contents, total and defatted dry extract, added water, titratable acidity, starch, peroxidase, alkaline phosphatase, alkaline and chlorides. Alkaline was the parameter mostly noncompliant with those specified by Brazilian legislation, which was found in 24 (80%) samples. Noncompliant acidity, defatted dry extract and added water characteristics were found in 12 (40%) samples. Alkaline phosphatase was detected in 11 (36.67%) samples. The total dry extract parameter was disapproved in 5 (16,67%) samples. 5 (16.67%) samples evidenced chloride contents, and in 2 (6.67%) the fat parameter was below than that established by the legislation in force; and 1 (3.33%) sample was out of standard in density parameter. Compliant results on peroxidase (positive) and starch (absence) parameters were found in all analyzed samples. The majority of milk samples marketed in the surveyed cities of Ceará showed irregularities in composition, being noncompliant with the standards established by Brazilian legislation.