Detecting biological and physical contamination in the dairy process is crucial to protecting the safety and quality of dairy products. Several methods can be used to detect contamination in the dairy process, including:

1. Microbial testing involves analyzing samples from the dairy production process for the presence of harmful bacteria, such as E. coli or Listeria. This testing can be done on raw milk, finished products, or equipment surfaces.

   Milk undergoes rigorous testing, including inline pH monitoring, to ensure consistent quality and safety throughout the entire batch. This includes detecting potential microbiological growth and the presence of foreign liquids.

   METTLER TOLEDO’s X1 in-line sensor can be used to detect microbiological activities leading to a lowered pH. The X1 sensor uses advanced technology to detect these deviations in real time, allowing for quick identification and remediation of any issues, supplying 100% batch traceability.

2. ATP (adenosine triphosphate) testing is a rapid method for detecting microbial contamination. This method involves swabbing surfaces and equipment in the dairy production process and testing for the presence of ATP, which is an indicator of microbial contamination.

3. Metal detection can detect metal contamination during the dairy process. X-ray inspection can detect metal and other physical contaminants, such as stone, bone, glass, and higher-density plastics.

4. Chemical testing can detect the presence of antibiotics or other chemical contaminants in dairy production.

Overall, combining these methods can detect both physical and biological contamination in the dairy process, allowing for quick identification and corrective action to preserve the safety and quality of dairy products.

METTLER TOLEDO provides various testing solutions to ensure quality and efficiency in dairy processing:

• Industrial Weighing Scales and Systems:

Weigh modules integrate seamlessly into equipment for continuous weight monitoring during tasks like receiving milk or filling containers. Their hygienic design promotes easy cleaning. Hygienic scale platforms offer a smooth, crevice-free surface for easy cleaning and disinfection when working with ingredients or small batches.

Finally, stainless-steel floor scales are built to withstand harsh cleaning chemicals and come in various sizes for diverse weighing needs, from bulk ingredients to palletized products. For all these solutions, hygienic scale indicators with stainless-steel enclosures provide clear weight readings in harsh environments.

• Product Inspection Equipment:

Checkweighers ensure accurate weight while maintaining hygiene standards, while our metal detectors identify and reject products contaminated with metal. X-ray systems take it a step further, detecting not just metal but also glass, bone, and even missing or broken products. Finally, vision inspection systems ensure proper labeling and cap placement, minimizing the risk of recalls.

• Analytical Instruments:

Titrators measure crucial aspects like acidity, fat content, and water content. For precise pH control, pH meters paired with electrodes and sensors are ideal, and spectrophotometers analyze protein, vitamins, and even contamination. Finally, density meters and refractometers ensure consistent milk solids and sweetness control.

• Process Analytics:

The InPro X1 in-line pH sensor provides real-time monitoring, which is crucial for consistent product quality. Its food-safe build and CIP resistance ensure it thrives in the demanding environment of a dairy facility. By keeping a watchful eye on pH levels, the sensor empowers manufacturers to optimize production, prevent issues, and guarantee food safety.

Pasteurization is the process of heating milk to a specific temperature for a set amount of time (e.g., 161°F for 15 seconds) and then cooling it rapidly. This eliminates pathogenic bacteria that can pose various health risks to consumers, ensuring safety without compromising the milk's nutritional value or taste.

Homogenization is a method that breaks down the fat globules in milk into smaller, more uniformly distributed particles. This prevents the cream from separating and floating to the top, resulting in a uniform texture throughout the milk. Although not necessary, homogenization is a common practice in commercial milk production.

Dairy products go through a thorough testing process during the processing, manufacturing, and packaging stages. The testing verifies that they meet the high-quality and safety standards set by regulatory authorities.

The testing process may involve identifying and eliminating pathogenic bacteria through microbiological testing, verifying composition and nutritional content through chemical analysis, and assessing taste, texture, and appearance through sensory evaluation.

Physical contamination of dairy products can be prevented through the use of product inspection technologies such as metal detection and x-ray inspection. Checkweighers can also support quality control measures in terms of weight, fill level control, and completeness checks.

Titration is used in the dairy industry for the determination of acidity, calcium and magnesium, water content, and more.  
 
Acid-base titration analysis is used to measure the natural acidity of raw milk which indicates the freshness of the raw material. It can also be used to measure fermented acidity, which allows for monitoring of the fermentation process of dairy products, as well as the proteolysis of cheese, which influences product’s taste, structure, and quality.

Karl Fischer Titration is useful for determining the water content of different types of products, both liquid and solid, such as milk, butter, milk powder, condensed milk, yogurt, and cheese. Knowing the water content is critical for the quality control of dairy products. High water content lowers the shelf life of the product, deteriorates the quality of food, and, at times, causes food poisoning.

The complexity of the food matrix often makes the analysis challenging and time consuming. Efficient and reliable titration equipment is necessary to ensure a seamless workflow and product safety. METTLER TOLEDO offers a wide range of automated titration solutions.