Research Article Open Access

BIOCHEMICAL AND MICROBIOLOGICAL QUALITY OF COMMERCIAL BRANDS OF PACKAGED MILK SOLD IN AND AROUND COURTALLAM A TOURIST SPOT, T.N., INDIA

Abstract

Courtallam is situated at an elevation of about 167km on the Western Ghats in Tirunelveli District (Tamil Nadu). It is an excellent health resort and it is famous for the Water falls. Courtallam is a well known bathing place and tourist attraction. Some of its magnificent waterfalls of Chittar River are said to have mineral properties. Bathing in these water falls is considered good for both mind and body .It is famous for “SPA” and many touists are interested in this. The insanitary condition prevailing causes severe food contamination which in turn causes health hazards to people consuming it. Hence, the biochemical and microbiological qualities of popular packaged milk sold in Courtallam was investigated. Seven brands of packaged milk in six replications were taken for the present study. There was no significant difference in the Moisture, Total solids, Volatile solids, Acidity, Lactose and Protein of the milk samples. However, significant difference was observed in the Fat content of these samples. Among the minerals studied there was no significant difference in Calcium, Phosphorus, Sodium, Potassium and Chloride and significant difference (P<0.01) in Magnesium and Iron. In microbial studies, the highest bacterial populations were recorded in brand G .Among the seven brands of packaged milk samples tested the biochemical profile was much superior in brand G, however the microbiological qualities was poor.

T. KARUPPAYEE