DEMONSTRATION OF MELIBIASE IN NON-PASTEURIZED LAGER BEERS AND STUDIES ON THE HEAT STABILITY OF THE ENZYME by

A method is introduced, which permits the determination of melibiase (a-galactosidase) in non-pasteurized Lager beers. Typically, melibiase activities of about 40 Units per litre are encountered for non-pasteurized Danish Lagers (Pilsner). The properties of melibiase in Lager beer have been examined. The rate constants for inactivation of melibiase in Lager beer of pH 4 have been determined at 57 ~ 60 ~ and 63 ~ For the time being invertase offers an essentially ,all-or-none~ test for pasteurization of beer. The considerably higher heat stability of melibiase than of invertase may lead to an improved pasteurization test that provides an estimate of the number of pasteurization units any given Lager beer has received.