Cheese Processing Research Articles

Formulasi Whey Fermentasi dengan Penambahan Buah Merah (Pandanus conoideus Lam) sebagai Tabir Surya

Whey produced from cheese processing can be used as non-food products such as sunscreen by fermenting using Streptococcus thermophilus and Lactobacillus bulgaricus. Adding active ingredients such as red fruit oil which contains carotenoids can increase the effectiveness of sunscreen. This study aims to determine the formulation of fermented whey and red fruit oil usage in sunscreen. The study began with the production of fermented whey and sunscreen formulations with ratios of 0, 1:1, 1:2, and 2:1 (fermented whey: red fruit oil). Furthermore, observe the organoleptic, antioxidant, SPF, pH, and homogeneity value. Adding fermented whey and red fruit oil showed no significant effect (P>0.05) onthe organoleptic test of aroma, but significantly (P<0.05) on color and texture. The antioxidant activity value test showed significantly different results (P<0.05) with IC50 values classified as moderate to high.Determination of the SPF value of sunscreen showed significantly different results (P<0.05), but this value was classified as low protection. Although there was no significant effect on pH testing (P>0.05), the pH of sunscreen cream indicated that it was suitable for topical application. All samples showed homogeneous results and there were no coarse particles or separation between the oil and water phases. The best sunscreen formulation is 1:1 cream with the highest SPF value of 6.86 and strong antioxidant activity with an IC50 value of 56.15 g/mL. Fermented whey and red fruit oil usage as active ingredients are more effective in increasing the protection of the cream against UV rays and free radicals.

Loads of Coliforms and Fecal Coliforms and Characterization of Thermotolerant Escherichia coli in Fresh Raw Milk Cheese.

The aim of this study was to assess the hygienic status of raw milk cheese and determine the trends of virulence and antimicrobial resistance in thermotolerant Escherichia coli. Two hundred samples of karish, a popular Egyptian fresh raw milk cheese, were analyzed for coliforms and fecal coliforms using a standard most probable number (MPN) technique. Overall, 85% of samples were unsuitable for consumption, as they exceeded Egyptian standards for coliforms (10 MPN/g), and 65% of samples exhibited coliforms at 44.5 °C. Of 150 recovered thermotolerant strains, 140 (93.3%) were identified as E. coli. Importantly, one Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) strain carrying a striking virulence pattern, stx1−, stx2+, eae−, was detected. Eleven strains (7.8%, 11/140) showed resistance to third-generation cephalosporins. Antibiotic resistance genes included blaSHV, blaCTX-M, qnrS, tet(A), and tet(B), which were present in 4.3%, 2.8%, 0.71%, 2.1%, and 0.71% of isolates, respectively. In conclusion, this study indicated that hygienic-sanitary failures occurred throughout the production process of most retail karish cheese. Furthermore, our findings emphasize the need for adopting third-generation cephalosporin-resistant E. coli as an indicator for monitoring antimicrobial resistance in raw milk cheese to identify the potential public health burden associated with its consumption.

WGS CHARACTERIZATION OF ENTEROCOCCUS FAECALIS H1041 ISOLATED FROM THE TRADITIONAL BULGARIAN GREEN CHEESE

In this study, Enterococcus faecalis H1041 which was isolated from the traditional Bulgarian green cheese was characterized in depth by a whole-genome sequencing performed on the Illumina HiSeq platform using 2 x 150 bases paired-end reads mode. The bioinformatic analysis performed only with free online tools revealed that the strain resembles other cheese-born E. faecalis strains by its antibiotics’ resistances and virulence genotype, thus its presence within the green cheese should not be considered as a health risk. Only two antibiotic resistance genetic determinants were found, but they both carry mutations, and probably are not functional. Furthermore, 18 virulence factor genetic determinants were found, but only 6 of them possessed 100% identities with the canonical sequences, and being more or less intrinsic for the Enterococcus genus. None of them were found on contigs that contain sequences with known plasmid origin of replication. Enterolysin A gene was also detected which most probably plays role in ripening process of the Bulgarian green cheese.

Impact of transglutaminase treatment given to the skim milk before or after microfiltration on the functionality of micellar casein concentrate used in process cheese product and comparison with rennet casein

The objective of the study was to evaluate the impact of transglutaminase (TGase) on the functionality of micellar casein concentrate (MCC) when used in process cheese product (PCP) applications. In this study, the impact of TGase treatment of skim milk prior to microfiltration (MF) as well as TGase treatment of retentate after MF was evaluated. The treatment included TGase treatment prior to MF (T1); control without enzyme (C1); TGase after MF (T2); and a control without enzyme (C2). Best treatment was also compared with the PCP sample made using rennet casein (RCN). The CGE analysis indicated heavy crosslinking in T2 than in T1. The TGase treatment modified the viscosity, hardness and melt characteristics of PCP compared with the control and RCN PCP samples. This study demonstrated that TGase treatment modifies the functional properties (unmelted and melted) of MCC when used as an ingredient in PCP.

Functional characteristics of process cheese product as affected by milk protein concentrate and micellar casein concentrate at different usage levels

The objective of the study was to determine the impact of milk protein concentrate (MPC) and micellar casein concentrate (MCC) on the functionality of process cheese products (PCP). Three replicates of PCP formulations at two usage levels were produced from three different batches of MPC and MCC. Each formulation was manufactured in a Rapid Visco Analyzer (RVA). The study demonstrated that usage level as well as type of ingredient both affected final manufacturing viscosity in RVA, unmelted and melted characteristics of PCP manufactured in RVA. The PCP manufactured using MPC was soft compared with those made using MCC. Overall, PCP made using MCC at higher usage levels was firm and did not melt, whereas the unmelted and melted characteristics of PCP made using MCC at lower usage levels was similar to that of PCP made using MPC at higher usage level.

Quinolones in Goat's Milk: Effect on the Cheese-Making Process, Chemical and Microbial Characteristics of Acid-Coagulated Cheeses

Quinolones in Goat's Milk: Effect on the Cheese-Making Process, Chemical and Microbial Characteristics of Acid-Coagulated Cheeses

γ-Aminobutyric acid production and antioxidant activities in fresh cheese by Lactobacillus plantarum L10-11

This study aimed to evaluate the γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) production and antioxidant activity during fresh cheese processing with single and co-fermentation processes of the high-GABA producing strain, Lactobacillus plantarum L10-11. For a mini-batch of fresh cheese, milk with 0.1% monosodium glutamate was fermented for 18 h and GABA production was monitored by thin layer chromatography and ion chromatography. GABA could be detected in co-L10-11 at 12 h of fermentation and at greater amounts after 18 h. The 18 h fermented milk of co-L10-11 and single-L10-11 contained GABA at 11.30 and 1.21 mg/100 mL, respectively, while GABA was not detected in the control. After whey separation, GABA remained in the cheese curd portion, resulting in 14.91 mg/100 g being found in the co-L10-11 cheese curd. ABTS antioxidant and metal chelating activities significantly increased during 18 h of fermentation and were retained in the cheese curd in the range of 783.11-922.00 μmol TE/kg and 216.71-266.98 μmol EDTA equivalents/kg cheese, respectively. Moreover, there were no significant difference in the textural characteristic between co-L10-11 and the control cheese curd. These results suggested that Lb plantarum L10-11 could be exploited as adjunct to improve health-promoting effects of the GABA in fresh cheese.

Preparation and Characterization of Whey Protein Isolate-based Coating Solutions and Coated Papers with Different Plasticizers

Whey protein isolates (WPIs) are a byproduct of cheese and milk processing. WPI-based films offer transparency and good gas barrier properties at a low relative humidity, along with numerous different functional groups. However, they are hydrophilic, which restricts their use, and feature poor mechanical properties like brittleness. In this study, we explored the properties of WPI based coating materials depending on the type and contents of plasticizers, to use as a barrier coating materials for paper. Coating materials of WPI/glycerol (GY) and WPI/sorbitol (SO) with different plasticizer contents were prepared by solution blending. These materials were then coated on the surface of paper. The morphological structure, burst strength, tensile index, elongation at break, air permeability, and surface properties of the WPI/GY and WPI/SO-coated papers were investigated and compared based on the type and content of plasticizer. Compared to the WPI/GY-coated papers, the cracking of coating layers on the WPI/SO-coated papers was mitigated with increasing SO content in the WPI matrix. The WPI/SO-coated papers exhibited a higher tensile index, elongation at break, and air barrier than the WPI/GO-coated papers. Surface property analysis revealed that the hydrophilicity of both coated papers increased with increasing plasticizer content. However, further research is needed to reduce the hydrophilicity in WPI-coated papers and improve the compatibility between WPI and the plasticizer to enable their application in packaging.

Microencapsulation with spray-chilling as an innovative strategy for probiotic low sodium requeijão cremoso processed cheese processing

The effect of sodium reduction and Lactobacillus acidophilus addition (free or microencapsulated) on the quality parameters of requeijão cremoso processed cheese was assessed for 90 days at 5 °C. Three formulations were prepared: (CONT) regular salt content and curd fusion (90 °C/2 min), (FREE) reduced salt content + free probiotic culture added after curd fusion (90 °C/2 min), and (MICRO) reduced salt content + microencapsulated probiotic culture added before curd fusion (70 °C/5 min). FREE and MICRO formulations showed increased monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acid content, improved health indices (decreases in thrombogenic index and increases in desirable fatty acid index), and altered rheological properties (higher consistency index, apparent viscosity, elastic properties, and gel strength). In addition, the MICRO formulation showed higher texture sensory acceptance and probiotic counts higher than 6 log CFU/g during storage and simulated gastrointestinal conditions. Overall, microencapsulation of probiotics with spray chilling represents an innovative solution in requeijao cremoso processed cheese.

Production and storage stability of concentrated micellar casein

Concentrated micellar casein (CMC) is a high-protein ingredient that can be used in process cheese product formulations. The objectives of this study were to develop a process to produce CMC and to evaluate the effect of sodium chloride and sodium citrate on its storage stability. Skim milk was pasteurized at 76°C for 16 s and cooled to ≤4°C. The skim milk was heated to 50°C using a plate heat exchanger and microfiltered with a graded permeability (GP) ceramic microfiltration (MF) membrane system (0.1 μm) in a continuous feed-and-bleed mode (flux of 71.43 L/m2 per hour) using a 3× concentration factor (CF) to produce a 3× MF retentate. Subsequently, the retentate of the first stage was diluted 2× with soft water (2 kg of water: 1 kg of retentate) and again MF at 50°C using a 3× CF. The retentate of the second stage was then cooled to 4°C and stored overnight. The following day, the retentate was heated to 63°C and MF in a recirculation mode until the total solids (TS) reached approximately 22% (wt/wt). Subsequently, the MF system temperature was increased to 74°C and MF until the permeate flux was <3 L/m2 per hour. The CMC was then divided into 3 aliquots (approximately 10 kg each) at 74°C. The first portion was a control, whereas 1% of sodium chloride was added to the second portion (T1), and 1% of sodium chloride plus 1% of sodium citrate were added to the third portion (T2). The CMC retentates were transferred hot to sterilized vials and stored at 4°C. This trial was repeated 3 times using separate lots of skim milk. The CMC at d 0 (immediately after manufacturing) contained 25.41% TS, 21.65% true protein (TP), 0.09% nonprotein nitrogen (NPN), and 0.55% noncasein nitrogen (NCN). Mean total aerobic bacterial counts (TBC) in control, T1, and T2 at d 0 were 2.6, 2.5, and 2.8 log cfu/mL, respectively. The level of proteolysis (NCN and NPN values) increased with increasing TBC during 60 d of storage at 4°C. This study determined that CMC with >25% TS and >95% casein as percentage of TP can be manufactured using GP MF ceramic membranes and could be stored up to 60 d at 4°C. The effects of the small increase in NCN and NPN, as well as the addition of sodium chloride or sodium citrate in CMC during 60 d of storage on process cheese characteristics, will be evaluated in subsequent studies.

Exploring the DPP-IV Inhibitory, Antioxidant and Antibacterial Potential of Ovine "Scotta" Hydrolysates.

The aim of this work was to valorize the by-product derived from the ricotta cheese process (scotta). In this study, ovine scotta was concentrated by ultrafiltration and then subjected to enzymatic hydrolyses using proteases of both vegetable (4% E:S, 4 h, 50 °C) and animal origin (4% E:S, 4 h, 40 °C). The DPP-IV inhibitory, antioxidant, and antibacterial activities of hydrolysates from bromelain (BSPH) and pancreatin (PSPH) were measured in vitro. Both the obtained hydrolysates showed a significantly higher DPP-IV inhibitory activity compared to the control. In particular, BSPH proved to be more effective than PSPH (IC50 8.5 ± 0.2 vs. 13 ± 1 mg mL−1). Moreover, BSPH showed the best antioxidant power, while PSPH was more able to produce low-MW peptides. BSPH and PSPH hydrolysates showed a variable but slightly inhibitory effect depending on the species or strain of bacteria tested. BSPH and PSPH samples were separated by gel permeation chromatography (GPC). LC-MS/MS analysis of selected GPC fractions allowed identification of differential peptides. Among the peptides 388 were more abundant in BSPH than in the CTRL groups, 667 were more abundant in the PSPH group compared to CTRL, and 97 and 75 of them contained sequences with a reported biological activity, respectively.

Wheat and White Sorghum Supernatants as Alternatives to Calotropis procera Extract in Making Cheese

Plant coagulant, animal rennet and microbial coagulant are used as milk coagulating agents resulting in different cheese products. However, emphasis has been on the use of plant coagulant as opposed to that from animal source, rennet. Alternative milk coagulants are therefore investigated instead of animal enzymes. The use of vegetable extracts as milk coagulants has evolved in soft cheese processing. This study explored the potential of plant coagulants as an ideal choice in the production of cheese. Hence, the objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of the coagulants on the yield and proximate composition of cheese. To compare them with cheese coagulated with supernatants from fermented white sorghums (WSS) and wheat (WS) in the laboratory. The results were also compared with cheese coagulated with Calotropis procera leaf extract (CPE) in terms of yield, the percentage composition of total solids (TS), fat, protein, lactose ash and the pH of the cheeses. The same parameters were evaluated in the whey (by-product). The minerals, pH and the proximate components in WS and WSS were also compared. Maximum cheese yield was recorded at equal volumes of milk and coagulants. CPE was superior to these other two considering the constituents in all three cheeses. The chemical composition of CPE coagulant was superior to WS and WSS in terms of TS, fat, protein and ash but lower in moisture content compared with the other two. Protein content was higher in cheese prepared with CPE (22%) about six times the amount in raw milk and the least was WSS (12%). Moreover, the cheese made with CPE had the highest yield (31.76g) and differed significantly (P&lt; 0.05) from WSS (28.87g) and WS (29.70g). Also, cheese made with WS (30.57g/ml) had the highest whey volume compared with WSS (28.11g/ml). However, increasing levels of each supernatant with a constant volume of raw milk (100ml) produced higher cheese yield at 100ml of the supernatant and 100ml of milk. Whey from WSS was the most acidic (5.85) of all the three produced but with increased acidity as the storage days increased. The study revealed that cheese with high nutritional quality can be produced with CPE, WSS and WS. The use of equal volume of coagulant (WSS or WS) to raw milk would give optimal cheese yield. This will promote the utilization of WSS and WS, which is naturally left as the waste product.

Characterization of a Novel Aspartic Protease from Rhizomucor miehei Expressed in Aspergillus niger and Its Application in Production of ACE-Inhibitory Peptides

Rhizomucor miehei is an important fungus that produces aspartic proteases suitable for cheese processing. In this study, a novel aspartic protease gene (RmproB) was cloned from R. miehei CAU432 and expressed in Aspergillus niger. The amino acid sequence of RmproB shared the highest identity of 58.2% with the saccharopepsin PEP4 from Saccharomyces cerevisiae. High protease activity of 1242.2 U/mL was obtained through high density fermentation in 5 L fermentor. RmproB showed the optimal activity at pH 2.5 and 40 °C, respectively. It was stable within pH 1.5–6.5 and up to 45 °C. RmproB exhibited broad substrate specificity and had Km values of 3.16, 5.88, 5.43, and 1.56 mg/mL for casein, hemoglobin, myoglobin, and bovine serum albumin, respectively. RmproB also showed remarkable milk-clotting activity of 3894.1 SU/mg and identified the cleavage of Lys21-Ile22, Leu32-Ser33, Lys63-Pro64, Leu79-Ser80, Phe105-Met106, and Asp148-Ser149 bonds in κ-casein. Moreover, duck hemoglobin was hydrolyzed by RmproB to prepare angiotensin-I-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory peptides with high ACE-inhibitory activity (IC50 of 0.195 mg/mL). The duck hemoglobin peptides were further produced at kilo-scale with a yield of 62.5%. High-level expression and favorable biochemical characterization of RmproB make it a promising candidate for cheese processing and production of ACE-inhibitory peptides.

Nonstarter Bacterial Communities in Aged Cheddar Cheese: Patterns on Two Timescales.

The aim of this study was to investigate the temporal stability of microbial contamination during cheddar cheese production by examining patterns of nonstarter bacteria in 60-day aged cheddar collected from the start and end of 30 consecutive production days. Further, we explored the source of these temporal microbial variations by comparing microbial communities in the aged cheese to those on food contact surfaces from a piece of cheesemaking equipment previously identified as a major source of nonstarter bacteria in the same processing environment. 16S rRNA metabarcoding and culture-based sequencing methods identified two Streptococcus sequence variants significantly associated with the end of the production day in both the aged cheese and the cheese processing environment. Closer inspection of these sequence variants in the aged cheese over the 40-day sampling period revealed sinusoidal-like fluctuations in their relative ratios, which appeared to coincide with the Lactococcus starter rotation schedule. These results demonstrate that the microbial composition of finished cheese can vary according to the timing of processing within a production day. Further, our results demonstrate that time-of-day microbial differences in cheese can result from bacterial growth on food contact surfaces and that the composition of these microbial differences is subject to change day-to-day and may be linked to routine changes in the Lactococcus starter culture. IMPORTANCE Long production schedules used in modern cheese manufacturing can create circumstances that support the growth of microorganisms in the cheese processing environment. This work demonstrates that this growth can lead to significant changes in the microbial quality of aged cheese produced later in the production day. Further, we demonstrate that the dominant bacteria associated with these microbial changes throughout production are subject to change between days and might be influenced by specific cheese manufacturing practices. These findings improve understanding of microbial contamination patterns in modern food manufacturing facilities, thereby improving our ability to develop strategies to minimize quality losses due to microbial spoilage.

Developments in effective use of volatile organic compound analysis to assess flavour formation during cheese ripening.

In the burgeoning demand for optimization of cheese production, ascertaining cheese flavour formation during the cheese making process has been the focal point of determining cheese quality. In this research reflection, we have highlighted how valuable volatile organic compound (VOC) analysis has been in assessing contingent cheese flavour compounds arising from non-starter lactic acid bacteria (NSLAB) along with starter lactic acid bacteria (SLAB), and whether VOC analysis associated with other high-throughput data might help provide a better understanding the cheese flavour formation during cheese process. It is widely known that there is a keen interest to merge all omics data to find specific biomarkers and/or to assess aroma formation of cheese. Towards that end, results of VOC analysis have provided valuable insights into the cheese flavour profile. In this review, we are pinpointing the effective use of flavour compound analysis to perceive flavour-forming ability of microbial strains that are convenient for dairy production, intertwining microbiome and metabolome to unveil potential biomarkers that occur during cheese ripening. In doing so, we summarised the functionality and integration of aromatic compound analysis in cheese making and gave reflections on reconsidering what the role of flavour-based analysis might have in the future.

Monitoring the ripening attributes of Turkish white cheese using miniaturized vibrational spectrometers

Monitoring the ripening process by prevalent analytic methods is laborious, expensive, and time consuming. Our objective was to develop a rapid and simple method based on vibrational spectroscopic techniques to understand the biochemical changes occurring during the ripening process of Turkish white cheese and to generate predictive algorithms for the determination of the content of key cheese quality and ripening indicator compounds. Turkish white cheese samples were produced in a pilot plant scale and ripened for 100 d, and samples were analyzed at 20 d intervals during storage. The collected spectra (Fourier-transform infrared, Raman, and near-infrared) correlated with major composition characteristics (fat, protein, and moisture) and primary products of the ripening process and analyzed by pattern recognition to generate prediction (partial least squares regression) and classification (soft independent analysis of class analogy) models. The soft independent analysis of class analogy models classified cheese samples based on the unique biochemical changes taking place during the ripening process. partial least squares regression models showed good correlation (RPre = 0.87 to 0.98) between the predicted values by vibrational spectroscopy and the reference values, giving low standard errors of prediction (0.01 to 0.57). Portable and handheld vibrational spectroscopy units can be used as a rapid, simple, and in situ technique for monitoring the quality of cheese during aging and provide real-time tools for addressing deviations in manufacturing.

Organoleptic Test on Fresh Cheese and Papain Enzyme Rennet Coagulant from Goat's Milk Based on Storage Time

Innovations in milk processing include making it into fresh cheese using local coagulant. This study aims to determine the effect of papain enzyme levels on the coagulation process of milk formaking fresh cheese. This research method used a 4 x 4 factorial completely randomized design with 2 replications of factor A giving papain enzyme levels, namely A0 = 0.2 g (using commercial rennet), A1 = 0.1 g papain enzyme rennet, A2 = 0.2 g papain enzyme rennet, A3 = 0.3 g papain enzyme rennet, and factor B storage time B0 = 0 days B1 = 5 days B2 = 10 days and B3 = 15 days. The variables measured were organoleptic tests including color, aroma, and preference. Based on the results of the study, it was found that from the addition of four levels of papain enzyme used and four variations of storage time, the administration of papain enzyme 0.3 g (A3) and storage time of 15 days (B3) was the optimal treatment to increase color, aroma, and preference for cheese and can be used as an alternative to the use of rennet

The Effect of Freezing Sheep's Milk on the Meltability, Texture, Melting and Fat Crystallization Profiles of Fresh Pasta Filata Cheese.

Simple SummarySheep’s milk is usually produced on small farms. It is mainly used in the pro duction of cheese products. One of the methods of extending the shelf life of sheep’s milk is freezing it. In this study we examined the effect of freezing on sheep’s milk and a mixture of sheep’s and cow’s milk on the quality of fresh pasta filata cheeses produced from the milk. It has been proven that the freezing of milk affects the possibility of using it in later cheese processing. Freezing sheep’s milk influenced, among others, a greater hardness and less elasticity of the cheese. We also noticed that the addition of frozen sheep’s milk caused consumer dissatisfaction.Sheep’s milk is produced in smallholdings, which hinders the continuity of production. Therefore, freezing during periods of high production can be a solution. Herein, we examined the effect of freezing on sheep’s milk and a mixture of sheep and cow’s milk (70:30, v/v) on the quality of fresh pasta filata cheeses produced from the milk. Frozen/thawed sheep’s milk contributes little to the development of innovative and reformulated cheeses. This was due to 24% higher hardness and greater extensibility and cutting force, as well as lower stretching and elasticity. Although their flowability increased (Oiling-off from 3 to 12%), the meltability (tube test, and Schreiber test) decreased. Additionally, the use of frozen milk caused consumer dissatisfaction. The consumer penalty analysis of the just–about–right showed that freezing of the milk caused the loss of the refreshing, elasticity and shininess of pasta filata cheeses.

El queso tradicional ranchero Jarocho: un estudio multidisciplinario aplicando un enfoque de la tipicidad

The objective was to integrate the information of the local milk production system, physicochemical and microbiological characteristics of the milk; elaboration process, and physicochemical, microbiological, and sensory characteristics of cheese to establish its typicity. The manufacturing of the cheese in most of the dairies studied has registered the operation of three generations of families. Variability in their chemical composition, microbiological, colour, texture and sensory was related with time and number of turns during the pressing, amount of added salt and vegetal fat. Cheeses with less pressing time had higher moisture content and less protein and fat content. The bacterial counts were related to milk quality tests, training courses and material of containers. These factors also affected the hardness of the cheese. Those with added vegetable fat and with high salt content had the highest hardness. The Hue angle (h°) of the cheeses indicated a tonality close to yellow (90°). Difference in chromaticity (C*) can be related to the use of vegetable fat. Cheeses with higher moisture content were brighter (L*) and had less color saturation. The sensory evaluation showed that the most typical cheeses were perceived in the attributes as salty, milk aroma, and serum and milking smell. Applying sanitation measures of milk collection, good cheese manufacturing practices and avoiding the addition of vegetable fat, it could be possibly getting a legal-commercial protection of the ranchero Jarocho cheese.

The behavior of aflatoxin M1 during lactic cheese production and storage

This study aimed to determine the fate of aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) during lactic cheese processing and storage. About 70.72% of the total AFM1 content of the raw milk was carried over into the whey. The levels of AFM1 during cheese storage were reduced by 77.66%. The transfer of the AFM1 into the brine solution depended on the storage time and showed variable trends. Collectively, 6.42% of the total AFM1 content of milk remained in lactic cheese, and 93.58% of it was removed during production and storage. Lactic cheese could be safer than milk from the AFM1 level point of view.