TEST RESULTS
FOR PHYSICOCHEMICAL PARAMETERS
Milk fat | Milk solids not fat | Cholesterol | RM value | BR reading | Saturated fat | Calcium | Vitamin A Milk fat The fat content of milk is the proportion of milk made up by butter fat. As per Indian Standard and FSS Rules, 2011, fat content of full-cream milk should not be less than six per cent by mass. All brands met the minimum required limit for fat
content. Verka (6.69 per cent) had the highest fat content, followed by Madhusudan (6.65 per cent) and Gokul (6.60 per cent). Gopaljee Ananda (6.0 per cent), Saras (6.01 per cent) and Reliance (6.2 per cent) just about fulfilled the minimum requirement. Milk solids not fat Milk has mainly two constituents: fat and solids not fat (SNF). Solids such as vitamins, minerals, protein and lactose together make up SNF. SNF is the most essential part of the milk. As per Indian Standard and FSS Rules, it should not be less than nine per cent by mass Reliance (9.80 per cent) was found with the highest SNF, followed by Parag (9.65 per cent) and Vita (9.30 per cent). SNF in Mother Dairy (8.96 per cent) and Saras (8.98 per cent) was marginally less than the minimum requirement. All other brands met the minimum requirement for SNF. Cholesterol Cholesterol plays a central role in many biochemical processes but is best known for the association of cardiovascular disease. Cholesterol, especially bad cholesterol (low-density lipoproteins, LDL), also increases the risk of nervous system problems, weak brain synapse connectivity, gall bladder stones and perhaps even cancer. These cholesterols are inherently found in the milk fats. The intake of cholesterol should not be more than 300 mg/day. Paras (6.48 mg/100 g) had the lowest cholesterol content, followed by Saras (8.10 mg/100 g) and Verka (8.67 mg/100 g). DMS (13.63 mg/100 g) was found with the highest cholesterol content, followed by Amul (12.48 mg/100 g) and Madhusudan (11.72 mg/100 g). Reichert Meissl (RM) value The Reichert Meissl (RM) value determines adulteration, if any. All brands had more than the minimum value required
to ensure the quality of milk fat. BR reading This can be used to check the adulteration of milk fat, particularly if adulterated with vegetable oils. If BR reading defers from the prescribed limit of variability (not more than 42 in case of noncotton tract area and 45 in case of cotton tract area), presence of foreign fat may be suspected.
BR reading in all the brands was below 45.