Conventional Dairy Products Research Articles

Consumers’ categorizations of dairy products and plant-based milk, yogurt, and cheese alternatives

Plant-based dairy alternatives have many benefits in terms of sustainability, animal welfare, and health, but they can only be successful in the market if consumers perceive them as suitable substitutes for conventional dairy. Consumers' expectations for new products are strongly influenced by the food categories into which they place these products. The present study aims to reveal consumers' categorizations of plant-based dairy products to gain insights into their potential as dairy substitutes. In a free sorting task, 100 participants from the German-speaking part of Switzerland sorted a variety of plant-based and conventional animal-based dairy products into groups, indicating their spontaneous similarity perceptions. Additionally, we assessed the participants' characteristics and attitudes toward plant-based dairy products to test potential differences in categorization strategies among consumer groups. Multidimensional scaling and cluster analysis showed that consumers' mental representations of plant-based dairy and conventional animal-based dairy were clearly separated across a wide range of product types. This pattern was even observed among consumers who ate less meat, had higher exposure to vegan dietary styles, and had less negative attitudes toward dairy alternatives. The results suggest that taxonomic distinctions based on plant or animal origin dominate consumers' perceptions and are likely to hinder the substitution of dairy with plant-based dairy. Nevertheless, they also imply that plant-based products that manage to emphasize shared goals and functional properties akin to conventional dairy products are more likely to form a common goal–derived category in consumers’ minds and thus have better prospects as substitutes.

Investigating the Dietary Impact on Trans-Vaccenic Acid (Trans-C18:1 n-7) and Other Beneficial Fatty Acids in Breast Milk and Infant Formulas.

Maternal diet plays a significant role in the fatty acid composition of breast milk. Dietary products such as milk and meat are the primary sources of natural TFAs for humans. These peculiar fatty acids hold nutritional significance as they not only lack the detrimental effects of industrially produced trans fats on the endothelium characteristic, but they also exhibit anti-inflammatory properties. The relationship between the presence of eight fatty acids in breast milk (including natural TFAs trans-vaccenic and conjugated linoleic acid) and the maternal diet has been explored, and their abundance has been compared to that of infant formulas. Two cohorts of lactating women, originating from a Spanish region, participated in this study; they adhered to the Southern European Atlantic diet or the Atlantic diet. While the consumption of conventional meat or dairy products does not seem to increase the abundance of TFAs in breast milk, trans-vaccenic and oleic acid are among the most distinctive features of breast milk fat in mothers consuming naturally improved dairy products with an improved fatty acid profile. The most significant differences between natural breastfeeding and formula feeding lie in natural TFAs, since formulas are notably deficient in natural TFAs while being overfortified in alpha-linolenic acid in comparison to breast milk. We suggest an improvement in the formulation of these products through using cow's milk with an optimal fatty acid profile that better mimics the fatty acid composition found in human milk.

Investigating the effect of sharing environmental information on consumer responses to conventional and hypothetical ‘precision fermented’ yoghurt

SummaryPrecision fermented dairy (PFD) is a novel technology used to produce milk proteins that can be used to replicate conventional dairy (CD) products. With PFD products likely to be available soon in the United Kingdom, this study aimed to explore consumer acceptance of these products. Specifically, the effect of sharing information related to the process and environmental impact of PFD on overall liking and emotional response for yoghurts labelled as CD and PFD. Overall, all participants (n = 62) were willing to try the yoghurts labelled as PFD, and no significant difference in liking between yoghurts labelled as CD and PFD was found, indicating acceptance and trust. However, sharing information slightly increased liking for PFD yoghurt and evoked more positive emotions (‘understanding’, ‘adventurous’ and ‘enthusiastic’). In contrast, information decreased liking for CD yoghurt and had minimal impact on the emotional response, but made participants feel slightly ‘guilty’. In particular, sharing information led high food‐neophobic and food technology‐neophobic individuals to be more ‘understanding’ towards PFD in comparison to the low‐neophobic groups. Findings suggest emotional responses can provide deeper insights beyond liking, which will benefit the food industry when reviewing consumer attitudes. The results show promise that consumers will accept PFD products when available, provided the novel technology can mimic the sensory properties of CD. Furthermore, when marketing products, sharing information may increase liking for sustainable products, but future studies would benefit from exploring the effect of different types of information on consumer acceptance.

Sensory properties of thickened and protein-enriched plant-based frozen desserts.

The number of consumers following plant-based diets has increased and in turn, the variety of plant-based foods available on the market has also increased. Many plant-based foods aim to mimic the functionality and sensory properties of conventional dairy products; however, they may not be suitable for specific populations. Dysphagia, for example, is a swallowing condition requiring texture-modified foods that meet specific criteria. While many conventional thickened products exist that are safe for individuals with dysphagia, the growing interest in plant-based eating alongside the increasing prevalence of dysphagia prompts a need for research on the use and safety of thickened plant-based alternatives. This study investigated the sensory properties of a thickened protein-enhanced ice cream (dairy and whey) compared to thickened protein-enhanced plant-based frozen desserts (cashew and pea, and coconut and pea). The formulations were evaluated using the International Dysphagia Diet Standardization (IDDSI) Spoon Tilt Test and a sensory trial (n = 104 participants, 47 flexitarians and 57 typical consumers) using static (hedonic scales and check-all-that-apply [CATA]), and dynamic (temporal check-all-that-apply (TCATA)) methods. The dairy and whey sample consistently passed the IDDSI test, while the plant-based samples did not. TCATA identified that the plant-based samples had an increased cohesiveness and adhesiveness, and decreased slipperiness when compared to the dairy and whey sample. The differences in textural properties may explain why the plant-based samples did not pass the IDDSI test. The study identified that although plant-based foods strive to mimic conventional dairy products, they have different textural and flavor properties.

Contribution of plant-based dairy and fish alternatives to iodine nutrition in the Swiss diet: a Swiss Market Survey

PurposeWith dairy products and fish being major sources of iodine in Switzerland, the growing popularity of plant-based alternatives may impact iodine nutrition. This study aimed to assess the iodine content in plant-based dairy and fish alternatives available in the Swiss market and compare them with conventional products.MethodsIn 2022, a market survey was conducted in Zurich, Switzerland, to identify the plant-based dairy and fish alternatives available and assess their iodine content. To evaluate the impact of plant-based alternatives on iodine consumption in Switzerland, we modeled dietary scenarios by substituting the intake of dairy and fish items with plant-based alternatives. In addition, we investigated fortification with calcium, vitamins B2, B12, and D.ResultsOut of 477 identified products, only four milk-alternative products were iodine fortified (median iodine concentration: 22.5 μg/100 ml). The median iodine concentration in unfortified plant-based alternatives was negligible compared to conventional dairy and fish products (milk: 0.21 vs 9.5 μg/100 ml; yogurt 0.36 vs 6.1 μg/100 g; cheese: 0.10 vs 20 μg/100 g; fish 0.50 vs 44 μg/100 g). Three portions of dairy per day as recommended by the Swiss Food Pyramid provide 25% of the RDA for iodine (150 μg/day), whereas substituting those with unfortified alternatives provides only 0.7% of the RDA.ConclusionOnly four out of 477 plant-based alternative products are iodine fortified in the Swiss market. Thus, the risk for consumers to miss out on the ca. 25% of the RDA for iodine by consuming plant-based alternatives is high, placing them at a risk for inadequate iodine intake.

The impact on shelf life of Tulum cheese of modified atmosphere packaging

Tulum cheese is one of the most important conventional fermented dairy products produced in Türkiye. In this study, the effects of modified atmosphere packaging on the microbiological, physicochemical, sensory properties, and shelf life of Tulum cheese were investigated. For this aim, Tulum cheese samples were divided into four groups (B=100% CO2, C =100% N2, D=70% N2+30% CO2, E=75% N2+25% CO2), and the control samples were packaged in the air (A). These samples stored at 4±1°C were analyzed for the microbiological, chemical, and sensory on days 0, 30, 60, 90, 120, 150, 180, 210, and 240. TMAB, LLP, lactic streptococcus, lipolytic microorganisms, proteolytic microorganisms, and yeast-mold counts increased while the counts of coliform group bacteria, Enterobacteriaceae, and Staphylococcus aureus continually decreased in all groups during the storage. During the storage period, the E. coli and sulfate-reducing anaerobic bacteria counts were detected below detectable levels (<1.0 log10 CFU/g) in all groups. Other chemical parameter values increased continuously while pH values continually decreased during the storage in all the groups. It was observed that the total sensory scores of the samples decreased continually during the storage period. However, when the scores of the E group were evaluated within themselves, significant differences were obtained. In conclusion, Tulum cheese samples packaged in MAP showed significant changes in quality, and their shelf life was extended.
 Keywords: Modified atmosphere packaging; Quality characteristics; Sensory evaluation; Shelf-life extension; Tulum cheese

An investigation into consumer perception of the aftertaste of plant-based dairy alternatives using a word association task

Plant-based alternatives are a growing market segment, but they have been found to be associated with different flavours, textures, and aftertastes than conventional dairy products. The aim of this study was to evaluate consumer perception of plant-based beverages’ (PBBs) and plant-based cheeses’ (PBCs) aftertaste. Two sensory trials were conducted: one investigating PBBs (n = 104) and the other PBCs (n = 109). In both trials, five different samples (PBBs or PBCs) were evaluated using nine-point hedonic scales, intensity scales and a word association task. The participants were asked to provide the first four words or phrases that described the aftertaste of each sample during the word association task. The results found that as the aftertaste intensity increased, the participant's overall liking of the food product decreased. Consumers preferred plant-based alternatives to have an aftertaste that mimics conventional dairy products. Consumers also identified mouthcoating and textural properties when describing the aftertaste of PBBs and PBCs. Lastly, a strong and lingering aftertaste was disliked by the consumers, while PBBs and PBCs with a quick and mild aftertaste were preferred.

Extension of Shelf Life of Paneer-An Indian Variety of Soft Cheese: A Review

Conventional dairy products constitute a vital role in the human diet in India. Paneer, an indigenous soft cheese, is a versatile nutrient-dense food used as a pedestal substance in various culinary preparations. It contains a good amount of high-quality animal protein, fat and minerals. However, relatively short shelf life of paneer, up to 5-6 days, creates a significant obstacle for commercial manufacturers. Conventional techniques like drying, freezing or chilling are not considered proficient in extending paneer’s keeping quality. This review summarizes different techniques used for the shelf life extension of paneer. The main focus was apprehended on research that contributes to increasing nutritional content and keeping the quality of paneer. Based on the perceptions of various researchers available in the shape of literature, it was concluded that edible coating incorporated with active compounds could be a pioneer preservation technique for Paneer. Moreover, some novel food techniques (Non-thermal techniques, hurdle technology, smart packaging) have also shown considerable potential to enhance keeping quality of paneer without jeopardizing flavour and texture. However, these technologies are at their nascent stage and require extensive research.

Plant-based dairy substitutes: Current scenario and future prospects

Plant-based dairy substitutes (PBDS) are non-dairy products made from plant ingredients as an alternative to traditional dairy products such as milk, cheese, and yoghurt. These dairy substitutes cater to those with lactose intolerance, dairy allergies, vegans, and those who prefer more sustainable and ethical food options. They provide options for various culinary purposes while reducing reliance on animal-based products. PBDS generally have a low environmental footprint, requiring fewer resources and lower greenhouse gas emissions than dairy farming. Some PBDS are enriched with vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin D and calcium, providing similar nutritional benefits to dairy products. They have advantages over conventional dairy products due to their low glycemic content and hence have better suitability for diabetic patients. Moreover, people with heart ailments or arthritis can also consume PBDS for its hypocholesterolemic and anti-inflammatory properties. They also help in befitting pregnant women, foetus, lactating mothers, infants and elderly people. As plant-based dairy substitutes offer many benefits, selecting products that suit an individual\'s dietary needs and preferences ensures sufficient intake of essential nutrients. Ongoing research and development in the plant-based industry has improved taste and texture, making these substitutes increasingly attractive for routine human consumption.

LACTOSE-FREE DAIRY PRODUCTS: PROSPECTS FOR THE PRODUCTION

Milk is a fundamental component of the human diet. Approximately 60% of the adult population worldwide has lactose intolerance. Lactose intolerance occurs due to the inability of the small intestine to produce enough enzymes to digest lactose. The purpose of the research is to study the prospects for the production of lactose-free products. Statistical and research data have been analyzed by the method of generalization of scientific publications of Russian and foreign authors on the study of lactose structure and properties, lactose intolerance syndrome, methods of β-galactosidase isolation and the use of lactose-free products. It has been stated in the research that the symptoms of lactose intolerance include abdominal pain, diarrhea, flatulence. Also, people with lactose intolerance have an increased risk of developing various extra-intestinal diseases, including cancer. Lactose intolerance makes people consume fewer dairy products, which can lead to a deficiency of calcium and other important nutrients. The article describes in detail the causes of lactose intolerance and its role in the human body. It has been shown that the development of lactose-free functional food products that meet the needs of consumers is one of the food industry priorities today. It has been established that the lactose-free dairy products market is the fastest growing segment of the dairy industry. The advantages of including lactose-free dairy products in the human diet have also been investigated, and the prospects for their production described. It has been shown that lactose-free dairy products are able to provide a person unable to digest lactose with the necessary nutrients present in conventional dairy products, such as calcium and vitamins.

A sea change

A sea change

Non-dairy plant-based milk products as alternatives to conventional dairy products for delivering probiotics

Dairy products are important to the human diet and are one of the four essential food groups. Conventional fermented cow milk products possessed a variation of bioactive components that enhance the human body's physiological processes. However, traditional milk products can be replaced by non-dairy plant-based milk which is produced mainly from fruits and seeds such as soy, coconut, almond, rice, peanut, lupin, cashew, and hemp. Fermented plant-based milk is the outcome of intense bacterial activity of the starter cultures, leading to the production of lactic acid and biologically active compounds that adding nutritional and physiological value. In addition, the growth and viability of probiotics in plant-based milk are depended on several factors such as milk composition, fermentation process, type of probiotics, storage time and temperature, acidity, and packages. Therefore, this review focuses on the growth and viability of probiotics in fermented plant-based milk products during fermentation and refrigerated storage.

The Moo\u2019D Study: protocol for a randomised controlled trial of A2 beta-casein only versus conventional dairy products in women with low mood

BackgroundBeta-casein is a major protein in cow’s milk, of which A1 and A2 are the most frequent variants. Recent evidence implicates A1 beta-casein consumption in mechanisms that are of potential importance to mental health, yet its possible effects on psychological endpoints remains unknown. The primary aim of the study is to evaluate the comparative effects of consumption of dairy products containing A2 beta-casein versus conventional dairy (i.e. containing both A1 and A2 beta-casein) on symptoms of psychological distress in women with low mood.Methods‘The Moo’D Study’ is a 16-week, superiority, 1:1 parallel group, triple-blinded, randomised controlled trial. Ninety women with low mood (Patient Health Questionnaire score ≥ 5) will be randomised to consume either A2 beta-casein only or conventional dairy products. The primary outcome, symptoms of psychological distress, will be measured by the 21-item Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale. Secondary outcomes will include symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress, severity of low mood, cognition, gut microbiota composition, gut symptomatology, markers of immune function, gut inflammation, systemic metabolites, endothelial integrity and oxidative stress, body composition, perceived wellbeing, sleep, quality of life, resource use and cost-effectiveness.DiscussionThis study will advance our understanding of the possible impact of milk proteins on psychological distress in women as well as elucidate mechanisms underpinning any association. Given dairy products form a substantial component of traditional and Western diets, the implications of these findings are likely to be of clinical and public health importance.Trial registrationThe trial protocol has been prospectively registered with the Australia and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry, ACTRN12618002023235. Registered on 17 December 2018.

Educational interventions to address misconceptions about antibiotic residues in milk can alter consumer perceptions and may affect purchasing habits

The industrialization of the agri-food industry and resultant decrease in the number of people employed on farms has contributed to a knowledge gap among consumers about food production processes. A commonly reported concern of dairy consumers is the use of antibiotics in dairy animals, even though these drugs are an important tool for promoting animal health and welfare and food safety. The extent to which consumers are aware of antibiotic residue avoidance practices in dairy production is unknown, and it is unclear whether acquisition of such knowledge could affect purchasing behavior and perceptions of dairy farming. The objectives of this study were to assess consumers' perceptions about the quality and production of dairy products in the United States and determine whether educational materials on processes that limit the occurrence of antibiotic residues in milk can change consumers' perceptions of dairy products and purchasing behaviors. We surveyed 804 consumers and assigned them to 1 of 3 interventions: (1) a control arm (reading the content of the Dairy page of the USDA's myplate.gov website); (2) an educational brochure on the processes that prevent antibiotic residues in milk; and (3) a video on the same processes. We found that a majority (86.1%) of participants believe that the quality of dairy products in the United States is high, although many had concerns about the treatment of dairy animals and chemicals (pesticides, antibiotics, hormones) in dairy products. Compared with the control intervention, the brochure was associated with a significant decrease in the level of concern consumers had about chemicals in their milk [-0.20 points on a Likert scale, 95% confidence interval (CI), -0.32 to -0.08] and a significantly increased comfort in purchasing conventional dairy products (odds ratio 2.43, 95% CI, 1.62 to 3.66). The video was associated with even stronger effects: a 0.29-unit decrease in the level of concern about chemicals in milk (95% CI, -0.42 to -0.016) and 2.94 times greater odds of purchasing conventional dairy products (95%, CI 1.92 to 4.49). Although consumer food decision making is complex and driven by multiple factors, it appears that education about the processes that promote food safety can reassure consumers about their concerns and potentially affect purchasing habits.

The prevalence of aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) in conventional and industrial dairy products (yogurt, cheese, kashk and dough) of Iran: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Aflatoxin is a toxic metabolite produced mainly by Aspergillus spp. which may occur in dairy products because of biotransformation. In this work, a systematic and meta-analysis approach has been considered on the topic of aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) content in dairy Iranian products. Based on the literature review, AFM1 was the most common aflatoxin contamination in dairy product. Additionally, studies revealed that higher levels of AFM1 were produced during cold seasons includes winter and autumn. Although, immunochemical technique (ELISA) was the frequent and rapid test, thin-layer chromatography (TLC) and chromatographic methods (HPLC) were commonly used as confirmative techniques to determine the level of aflatoxin. Meta-analyzing of the results showed that AFM1 can be found in the dairy products with overall prevalence percentage of 63.53 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 56.28-70.78) and 54.05 (95% CI: 43.09-65.02) based on the sample type and production process, respectively. The higher prevalence percentage of AFM1 of 73.96 (95% CI: 60.27-87.66) and 69.91 (95% CI: 62.00-78.83) was found in yoghurt and industrial production type of samples, respectively. In general, 17.8% of cheese, 14% of yogurt, 12.63% of kashk, and 2.1% of doogh contained AFM1 in concentrations exceeding the permitted level of standards. Totally, results showed that 88.89% of dairy products were contaminated by AFM1 exceeding from standard limits.

How does public perception of antibiotic use on dairy farms contribute to self-reported purchasing of organic?

The United States regulates the use of antibiotics in agricultural settings to address the global antibiotic resistance problem. Conventional dairy cows treated with antibiotics are kept in the herd and after the withholding period milk is harvested. On organic farms, the US organic standard on antibiotic use requires sick dairy cows to be treated, but treated cows must be removed from the herd and their milk can never again be sold as certified organic. This study investigated the US public's perceptions of the organic dairy farming, antibiotic use on dairy farms, and whether these perceptions affect consumer's self‐reported purchasing behavior for organic. We used a nationally representative phone‐based survey of 1000 US adults and characterized participants’ self‐reported (i) knowledge of the legality of antibiotic use on dairy farms (conventional and organic) and (ii) frequency of purchasing organic instead of conventional dairy products, as well as several demographic and other variables. The results indicated that participants’ knowledge about antibiotic use practices in dairy farming have no effect on their self‐reported purchasing behavior for organic or conventional dairy products. However, respondents who were familiar with the regulations of antibiotic use on dairy farms were more likely to oppose the US organic standard on antibiotic use in dairy farming and thought that past antibiotic use should not permanently remove a cow's organic status. These findings contribute to understanding of public perceptions that shape the US dairy organic market.Practical ApplicationIncome, employment, health and political values, but not consumers’ knowledge about antibiotic use in dairy farming, affect self‐reported purchasing behavior for organic dairy products. However, consumers who are familiar with the regulations of antibiotic use on US dairy farms disagree with the US organic standard on antibiotic use mandating loss of organic status for any cattle treated with antibiotics. These findings may be useful to organic markets.

Postprandial Fatty Acid Profile, but Not Cardiometabolic Risk Markers, Is Modulated by Dairy Fat Manipulation in Adults with Moderate Cardiovascular Disease Risk: The Randomized Controlled REplacement of SaturatEd fat in dairy on Total cholesterol (RESET) Study.

ABSTRACTBackgroundChronic consumption of dairy products with an SFA-reduced, MUFA-enriched content was shown to impact favorably on brachial artery flow-mediated dilatation (FMD). However, their acute effect on postprandial cardiometabolic risk biomarkers requires investigation.ObjectiveThe effects of sequential high-fat mixed meals rich in fatty acid (FA)–modified or conventional (control) dairy products on postprandial FMD (primary outcome) and systemic cardiometabolic biomarkers in adults with moderate cardiovascular risk (≥50% above the population mean) were compared.MethodsIn a randomized crossover trial, 52 participants [mean ± SEM age: 53 ± 2 y; BMI (kg/m2) 25.9 ± 0.5] consumed a high-dairy-fat breakfast (0 min; ∼50 g total fat: modified: 25 g SFAs, 20 g MUFAs; control: 32 g SFAs, 12 g MUFAs) and lunch (330 min; ∼30 g total fat; modified: 15 g SFAs, 12 g MUFAs; control: 19 g SFAs, 7 g MUFAs). Blood samples were obtained before and until 480 min after breakfast, with FMD assessed at 0, 180, 300, and 420 min. Data were analyzed by linear mixed models.ResultsPostprandial changes in cardiometabolic biomarkers were comparable between the different dairy meals, with the exception of a tendency for a 4% higher AUC for the %FMD response following the modified-dairy-fat meals (P = 0.075). Plasma total lipid FA analysis revealed that incremental AUC responses were 53% lower for total SFAs, 214% and 258% higher for total cis-MUFAs (predominantly cis-9 18:1), and trans-18:1, respectively, following the modified relative to the control dairy meals (all P < 0.0001).ConclusionsIn adults at moderate cardiovascular risk, acute consumption of sequential high-fat meals containing FA-modified dairy products had little impact on postprandial endothelial function or systemic cardiometabolic biomarkers, but a differential effect on the plasma total lipid FA profile, relative to conventional dairy fat meals.This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT02089035.

Does removal of value added tax on fruit and vegetables increase sale – case of a Danish retailer

ABSTRACT Pricing strategies are considered to be one of the important options in changing consumer food behaviour. As a result, there is a growing interest in studying the effects of interventions that promotes the healthy choice through price interventions. This paper aims to examine the effect of a pricing intervention on fruit & vegetables (F&V) in supermarkets. The intervention consisted of a removal of the 20% VAT Data on F&V sale and retailer – revenue was collected pre- and post-intervention in all chain-supermarkets. Users of ecological and conventional fruit and vegetables constituting our intervention group and the control group is users of ecological and conventional dairy products. We found a beneficial impact of the intervention on the sale and revenue related to fruit and vegetable products. The revenue and sale of fruit and vegetables increased by 354 952.60 DKK (24.92%) and 65 065.16 units (32.92%) respectively. Results suggest a beneficial impact on the sale and revenue related to fruit and vegetable products. Results show that the subsidy also had unintended impacts on the sale and revenue related to non-intervention products. That included adverse impact of the subsidy on unsubsidized healthy complementary products.

Sensory Characteristics of Dairy By-Products as Potential Milk Replacers in Ice Cream

Novel strategies for wheys application, decreasing its negative environmental impact, represent a challenge for dairy industries. The use of wheys as replacers may lead to adverse sensory quality changes in conventional dairy products. This study aimed to investigate the sensory effects of the use of ricotta whey (RW), cheese whey (CW), and butter whey (BW) in replacement to whole milk (WM) at different ratios (0:100%, 25:75%, 50:50%, 75:25%, and 100:0%, w/w) in chocolate ice creams. All formulations, including a commercial sample used as a reference, were analyzed for overall liking, purchase intention, just-about-right (JAR), and survival analysis. RW, CW, and BW up to 75%, 100%, and 25% did not affect (p &gt; 0.05) the overall liking, respectively. Purchase intention was only decreased (p &lt; 0.05) by BW at 50%, 75%, and 100% compared to a commercial sample. Considering data from PCA and PLSR associated with hedonic scores and penalty analysis, the main adverse sensory effects on overall liking were: increased perception (p &lt; 0.05) of chocolate flavor by RW, CW, and BW, melting velocity by RW, sweetness by CW and BW, and chocolate aroma by BW. Survival analysis indicated that BW could be added up to a maximum of 84.15%, while no rejection was detected for RW and CW. Based on results, RW, CW, and BW represent potential milk replacers to be used by the dairy industry, decreasing the environmental impact of these dairy by-products.

Antimicrobial resistance of Staphylococcus spp. isolated from organic and conventional Minas Frescal cheese producers in São Paulo, Brazil

The genus Staphylococcus is recognized worldwide as a cause of bacterial infections in humans and animals. Antibiotics used in dairy cattle combined with ineffective control can increase antimicrobial resistance. The objective of this study was to characterize 95 Staphylococcus strains isolated from organic and conventional Minas Frescal cheese production regarding antibiotic resistance (phenotype and genotype), presence of sanitizer-resistant genes and biofilm-formation genes, and SCCmec typing. Most strains (25.3%) showed higher resistance to penicillin, followed by oxacillin (21.1%) and clindamycin (11.6%). Among antibiotic resistance genes, the most prevalent were blaZ (25.3%), mecA (13.7%), lsaB (6.3%), msrA (4.2%), ant4 (3.2%), and tetM (2.1%); among sanitizer-resistance genes they were qacA/B (5.3%) and qacC (6.3%); and among biofilm, bap (4.2%), icaA (29.5%), icaD (41.1%). However, there was no statistically significant difference between organic and conventional dairy products, possibly due to the lack of synthetic antibiotic use on conventional farms during the sample collection period. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) had their SCCmec identified as types I and IVc, and the methicillin-resistant coagulase-negative staphylococci had nontypeable SCCmec. These results suggest that there are antibiotic-resistant strains in both organic and conventional Minas Frescal cheese production in the state of São Paulo, Brazil. This supports the idea that improved quality control is needed from the milking stage up to the final product.