A comparison of analytical test methods in dairy processing

Dairy quality strategies start at the beginning of a raw milk supply chain farm level, but it is obligation manufacturer dairy processing plant to ensure upheld from intake finished product. This achieved by implementing robust systems, measured through sampling plans and analytical test methods. Influences on product composition, results within are multi-factorial including: seasonality; incoming herd health; level skilled laboratory technicians; production availability equipment; finally harvesting, transportation handling. These factors, along with customer regulatory requirements will determine type testing required. In industry, manufacturers oftentimes pay little attention need for optimising or improving operations, if not broken why fix it? The focus this qualitative research was differentiate core current methods in use three manufacturing plants milk, skim cream powder (SMP). main objective being inform educate each producer best practice Results displayed similarities across categories demonstrated range traditional microbiological analysis compared advanced instrumentation chemical compositional category. industry needs adapt modern, process focused system using 4.0 regimes.