Evaluation of nutrition facts and of the physicochemical and microbiological characteristics of different brands of pasteurized and UHT milk

The objective of this study was to determine whether different brands of pasteurized and UHT whole milk meet the labeling standards and technical regulations on identity and quality established by the Brazilian legislation. Ten whole milk brands, including two pasteurized milk brands and eight UHT milk brands, were evaluated. With respect to labeling, all brands were in accordance with the standards required by the legislation. In the case of one pasteurized milk brand and three UHT milk brands, at least two of the five batches analyzed were not in accordance with the standards for fat percentage, defatted dry extract, peroxidase, and counts of viable strict and facultative aerobic mesophilic microorganisms. The results show that four of the 10 brands studied require better monitoring of the milk processing steps since processed foods offered to the population must meet the standards established by the legislation, which are synonymous with quality and safety for those who consume them