Home ground cheese from retail: investigations concerning the problem of shelf life.

摘要

Cheese samples that are grated and packaged on retail premises are likely to have a shorter shelf life than grated cheese that has been industrially produced. 61 samples of cheese that had been grated in-store were analysed for quality characteristics, including microbiological quality, sensory properties and shelf life declaration. Cheeses included 24 samples of unspecified variety, 19 samples of Gouda, 1 sample of Emmental, 1 of Gouda + Emmental, 4 of Gouda + Leerdamer and 12 of Gouda blended with other cheese varieties. Only 2 of the samples (3.3%) complied fully with microbiological, sensory and shelf life declaration requirements. 12 samples showed visible signs of fungal contamination by the end of declared shelf life, while 23 samples showed evidence of clumping. 7 samples contained extraneous matter, including cheese rind, plastics and fabric. 44 samples were characterized by aroma and flavour defects. Results are discussed with regard to the problems of determining correct shelf life for retail samples of grated cheese.